Local authorities have disclosed that the Hewanorra International Airport [HIA] Redevelopment Project is at an “advanced stage” in finalizing arrangements for the resumption of construction works at the site.
The project is being undertaken by the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) in collaboration with the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL).
According to official sources, initially conceptualized as a significant airport infrastructure improvement programme; the HIA project entails improvement to the airside, terminal, and landside with a strategic intention to elevate the aviation ecosystem and passenger experience.
The HIA Redevelopment Project broke ground, in 2019, with the commencement of construction and piling for the terminal building due for completion by March 2023. However, with the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) assuming power in July 2021, an independent committee set up to review the works reported ‘exorbitant spending’ by the former United Workers Party (UWP) regime that produced no substantial results.
“In September 2021, the Government of Saint Lucia undertook a comprehensive review of the HIA Project to identify opportunities for fiscal space, while proposing a realistic compromise for an upgraded airport infrastructure to meet the country’s evolving demands,” noted a SLASPA release.
Furthermore, the relevance of this review was deemed necessary, given the global economic shocks brought about by COVID-19, supply chain issues, and rising inflation.
The release adds: “Following a three-month undertaking, the review recommended four options for consideration, which SLASPA through its Ports Council was to analyze and respond accordingly.”
Indications are that SLASPA expects a final position to be tabled and a direction approved by the government by the beginning of the first quarter of 2023.
The SLASPA authorities state that, the International Financial Cooperation (IFC) of the World Bank’s Airport Planning Specialist is providing support for this exercise.
“In keeping with its commitment to improving the airport infrastructure, while a decision is being finalized for the overall direction, the government has approved the construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower,” the statement explains. “The new design will be equipped with the latest navigational tools and technology, replacing the more than 40- year-old existing facility. As a critical aspect of the redevelopment programme, the new Air Traffic Control tower will stand at 100ft, providing optimum airfield surveillance.”
Reports state that the construction works on the new building is set for the first quarter of 2023.
Commenting on the state of progress for the HIA Redevelopment Project, SLASPA’s General Manager Daren Cenac said, it was necessary to undertake this process.
“As the statutory authority with oversight of Saint Lucia’s ports, we understand the priorities of the government and will continue working with our principal shareholder to achieve a balanced compromise and realize the upgrade of this vital national asset,” he added.
Speaking with optimism about the nature of works being undertaken towards the eventual success of this project, Cenac asserted: “We are encouraged by the government’s commitment to improving HIA and remain confident that SLASPA will deliver an efficient and modernized airport that will benefit all stakeholders.”
I will no longer travel to St Lucia if they build this sterile monstrosity. The current airport has a charm that is a great way to start a vacation. Why can’t it just be expanded a bit? Can’t that money be spent on fixing the roads rather than an ugly airport that will turn away visitors?