Nine months after the site’s closure, work to upgrade the Kaibo Public Beach Park in North Side appears to be proceeding slowly.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the slow progress in visual changes and the need for regulatory approvals on coastal works.
“While visible changes on site have been gradual, there has been steady work taking place behind the scenes, including inter-agency coordination and ongoing preparations for the next phase of the redevelopment,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure.
The ministry announced the closure of the public park on 6 Sept., saying it was necessary to ensure public safety while the “essential beach replenishment works and critical infrastructural improvements” are carried out.
At the time, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Jay Ebanks said, “The upgrades to Kaibo Public Beach Park will transform the ‘beloved space’ into a more functional and enjoyable destination for all residents and visitors.”
Recent photographs of the site show little change to the public beach when compared to photographs taken six months ago on 4 Dec. 2024. However, some additional sand has been spread on the property to raise the elevation.
The ministry spokesperson said, “As with many coastal projects, certain components—such as shoreline access improvements—require regulatory approvals, which we’re working through in close coordination with the relevant agencies.”
When the popular public beach area in North Side was closed in September, Minister Ebanks said, “While temporary closures may be inconvenient, the long-term benefits of a restored coastline, modernised amenities and enhanced infrastructure will make the park even better than before. We are excited for the community to enjoy these new facilities soon.”
No timeline was provided for the completion of the works when the park was closed in 2024, but a press statement at the time said, “Once completed, Kaibo Public Beach Park will feature new cabanas, a restored and replenished coastline, refurbished or new bathroom facilities, groynes (breakwaters) to prevent future beach erosion and improved parking facilities.”
In the most recent update, the ministry said the long-term vision for the site includes “the creation of a safer, more welcoming beach space for the community.
“We look forward to sharing more as the project continues to advance and thank the public for their patience and support.”
It is not clear when the public park will be open again.
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All positive messaging from the Ministry. But look at the long-past-due GT Revitalization project and question yourself if the same isn’t happening here?
Public project delivery is usually the responsibility of a Civil Service department, in order to fulfill the sitting Govt’s mandates. That seems to be where the main deliverables go awry! Poor project management on the ground, poor oversight farther up in the C-suites and then the Ministry is ‘splaining. Meanwhile, our dollars are being wasted.
Generally, the CS needs to live up to it’s own “world class ” hype and deliver to the public the quality it boasts. Answer phones, respond to emails, give consistent info, respect and manage public funds better, deliver projects on time..etc, etc. That’s closer to “world-class”
Thank you to those members of the CS and other public services who deliver as the public deserves and expects, it may seem like you’re swimming upstream. Don’t let the system change your values.