Refurbishment of Little Tokyo could begin in June

Plans have been approved for the renovation of Lyttle Tokyo, the main bus terminal in Kingstown, and work could begin as soon as June, says Minister of Housing, Land Management, Urban Development and Informal Settlement Upgrading Andrew John.

The terminal was built under the previous New Democratic Party administration more than 35 years ago, with funding from Japan, but fell into disrepair under the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration, which was voted out of office last November after 25 years.

John explained that the ULP government also had plans to redo the area and construct massive concrete structures, but the NDP government, which returned to office last November, decided to review this.

“… Kingstown doesn’t really need any more big concrete projects; so we tasked Urban Development with coming up with a plan to build an eco-friendlier sort of business-friendly environment in Little Tokyo where people could come in and sit and sip a little coffee,” John said.

He added that plans to add more green space to Little Tokyo had recently been approved, along with repairs to the shops and the bathroom, all to help beautify the city.

The minister said the project is estimated to cost EC$1 million, adding that the price tag may be higher based on the Urban Department’s design.

“But it is really something that I think they put a lot of effort into and I am looking forward to seeing that project … take off,” he said.

The minister further addressed the issue of the upgrading of toilet facilities around Kingstown.

“This has been a worrying situation in town that people complained [about]. Especially males, you see them from time to time using the fences and bushes – we want that to change, especially for our more mature and elderly persons,” John said.

Among other work to be undertaken by his ministry was the rebuilding of the old Court House/Parliament building in Kingstown.

John said the project is being delayed pending the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s input.

But that facility will be refurbished and will house the civil courts, he said.

Meanwhile, he proposed hall of justice building to be constructed in Beachmont may not come on stream this year, John said.

As was previously mentioned, plans to construct a new Parliament building have been put on hold.

John noted that Parliament is based at the temporary facility constructed for that purpose in Calliaqua, and that it has been functioning well.

“The facilities are wonderful, so we are going to be using that now until further notice,” he said.