The need for additional land space to accommodate expanding commercial activity in Couva was the focus of a meeting between Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie and officials of the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce.During the meeting at the chamber's boardroom at Camden Road, Couva, an overview of the Couva Development Plan was presented.
Chamber president Liaquat Ali said the plan was initiated in 1984 and there was now an urgent need for a town centre since government agencies are now scattered throughout the district, hampering the smooth flow of business.Ali said while there had been new developments in Couva and environs, including the Children's Hospital, the National Aquatic and Cycle Centre and an upgrade of Rivulet Road, these had created a need for proper traffic planning and management and adequate drainage.
Chairman of the Couva/Tavaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation Henry Awong, who took part in the meeting, said lands are being acquired to relocate the Couva market and to construct an administration complex for the Corporation.Dr Tewarie told officials of the Chamber that some of the Couva Development Plan had been incorporation into the National Spatial Development Strategy for T&T (NSDS which will be upgraded and amended every three years.
He said he recognised the need to align community plans with national plans and added that the preparedness of all parties as well as mutual cooperation among all stateholders was extremely important.There was agreement on a renewed government and Couva Chamber stakeholder partnership encompassing the development plans for central Trinidad.