The coastal area between Guaracara River and Godineau River will be the subject of a special study to be undertaken by a working team to be appointed by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs, Energy Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan says.

Seepersad-Bachan last week announced the setting up of a non-governmental team of ten persons to undertake a detailed study of the area, and to make recommendations for its effective use as a revenue earning proposal aimed at creating jobs through tourism, environmental enhancement, aqua sports and improved fishing facilities.

Attorney Daphne Cuffie-Dowlat is expected to chair the committee and submit a report in 90 days for the consideration of the Minister.

Speaking at the pre-budget discussion at City Hall, San Fernando, last Friday, Seepersad-Bachan said, "The coastal waters between Marabella and Oropouche has great potential for many revenue earning activities and based on the proposed study, Government will be examining proposals for the development of the entire coastal areas of the south west peninsula."

She said the waterfront area of the peninsular has been neglected for many years, and with the proposed development it will bring communities closer, and also help in providing new opportunities for housing.

"The waterfront project is certainly a way forward. When we develop the water courses leading into the Gulf of Paria it will be part of the Government's plan to eliminate flooding in the coastal areas of San Fernando." she said.

Joseph Harbajan, a representative of the Marabella West constituency, said he supported the idea and hoped that recommendations will be made to stop pollution at Guaracara River.

"We need to clean the river, have it dredged and call on Petrotrin to stop dumping its excess oil in the river," he said.

Describing San Fernando as "a dirty city", Deputy Mayor of San Fernando, Dr Navi Muradali, said the city council has a lot of work to do to bring about a better coastal environment, especially at the water front.

Seepersad- Bachan, MP for San Fernando West, said she was fully aware of the neglect of the coastal area, especially at Marabella, which she witnessed during her visits there during the general election campaign.

Other participants at the discussion called for improved parking facilities in San Fernando, provision of recreational facilities, setting up of recycling facilities for usable waste and for the Traffic Management Division of the Ministry of Works to reduce the number of traffic lights in the city and conduct an overall study of the existing traffic management.