Fisheries pier rebuilt
Eight months ago the pier at the Fisheries Department collapsed due to the effects of Hurricane Mitch. Today the pier has been replaced and the structure was officially opened at ceremonies held this evening. Built at a cost of approximately fifty five thousand dollars, it is a joint effort between the Belize government and the British government. According to George Myvett, the Acting Fisheries Administrator, when their pier went down, it affected their operations.
George Myvett, Acting Fisheries Administrator
“The previous pier was destroyed by hurricane Mitch and in fact that has greatly impeded our operations. An important part of what we do is fisheries enforcement and logistic support to a number of projects and Mitch has really impacted that operation in a number of ways.
We were using a number of piers, with some informal arrangements. We used to use the pier at the Fiesta and in fact we have been using in recent times the facility at Moho Caye where a number of our boats have been anchored.
This structure is about four to five feet above sea level and in fact to access our smaller boats there will be a need to put on some auxiliary structure. We have in fact been ahead of the game somewhat and we have designed two structures that will be fitted to the pier.”
In the event of a hurricane threat, the pier will be used to help evacuate people from cayes and coastal areas.
