Port Authority of Jamaica's proposed dredging to extend Falmouth cruise pier, which attracted much criticism among stakeholders in Trelawny capital, could see activity starting within the next couple of weeks.
The project is expected to last for 2 weeks. When completed, the cruise ship pier will be able to accommodate two Oasis-class vessels simultaneously docking, which will increase the number of cruisers arriving in Falmouth.
According to reports, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is comfortable that it's treading on safe ground as Smith Warner International's Elizabeth Monon, the firm engaged to analyse the impact of dredging, assured residents that the environment would not be affected negatively by the project, which was a major concern.
Based on the dredging plans, 140000 cubic metres of material have to be removed from the sea floor and taken to a disposal site approved by NEPA (National Environment and Protection Agency) 2,5 nautical miles offshore.
When these plans were first announced, many concerns were raised by notable persons. The greatest dissent came from the outspoken pastor of Reverend Devere Nugent, who used a sermon to call for demonstration against destruction of the environment.