A much-used dock which fell into a state of disrepair earlier this year has been largely fixed, with the remaining work planned for later this summer.
Dive and snorkel companies often launch off West Bay Dock as they transport customers to explore the wreck of the USS Kittiwake.
However, in May, the Compass learned that many of the wooden planks on the structure were broken and splintered, posing a safety risk to anyone walking on it.
The Compass reached out to government at the time to ask for information on repairs. Two weeks later, a Public Works Department spokesperson said they were being made.
“A team is in the process of replacing defective planks and stringers, and should complete the repairs by the end of [May],” they said.
The spokesperson explained that the wooden planks had been replaced on the first 12 feet of the dock.
“There are some structural enhancements that will take place but those works require detailed specifications and supporting regulatory applications,” they said.
This week, the dock still appeared to have several broken planks at the far end.
A Public Works Department spokesperson told the Compass, “Our team has completed as much repairs that can be done without a coastal works permit.
“We aim to have the drawing, permitting and repairs [for the additional work] completed within Q3, 2023.”
Related Videos
The dock has been broken for at least 3 years and everyone knew about it. I have written letters to this paper more than once over this time. It is outrageous that the repairs were not done before. Thousands of divers use this dock bring millions of dollars to Cayman