Several families journeyed to Macqueripe Bay, Chaguaramas, on Tuesday, taking advantage of the facility and enjoying its amenities after it was officially reopened to the public.
The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) had closed the beach facility on May 11 to facilitate repairs to the handrails.
In a news release issued at the time, the CDA said the temporary closure was necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and visitors.
Among the upgrades is the installation of a new metal railing, replacing the old wooden structure.
When the Express visited the facility on Tuesday, several beachgoers welcomed the improvements and said they appreciated the upgraded railing.
However, some pointed out that other areas of the facility remain in need of attention, including a large hole near the beachfront that has no protective barrier around it.
Nasser Khan, journalist and author, who visited the beach with his family, said he was pleased with the repairs to the railing but remained concerned about whether the material used would be able to withstand the harsh marine environment.
Khan, a regular visitor to the beach, said the upgrade was long overdue and expressed hope that the appropriate materials had been used to withstand constant exposure to salt and moisture.
He added that over the years, he had written several letters to the CDA requesting that repairs be carried out at the facility, noting that the deteriorating condition of the infrastructure had been a long-standing concern for beachgoers.
“The upgrade is long overdue, but nothing happens before its time. It looks fantastic, and my earnest hope is that they have used the right material for the conditions, especially with the severe salting and rusting possibilities,” Khan said.
The Hummingbird Medal (Silver) recipient continued: “That was basically all that was done, the railings. I have to commend them for the initial look, but the question is how will it stand up to the environment? I will be looking on with interest to see whether the correct material was used.
“Before, it was all wood and, of course, it succumbed to the salt and the environment. Here we are now with the metal option. It looks great, it is functional, and I hope it will be long-lasting and properly maintained.”
Khan described the bay as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s treasures, however, he said one of the facility’s long-standing problems had been a lack of upkeep.
“Macqueripe is paradise here on earth. Previously, there was virtually no maintenance. Hopefully, this is the start of more regular attention being paid to the facility.”
Meanwhile, a family who went to celebrate a birthday said they were happy the beach facility reopened in time for their celebration.
Thomas Sylvester, from San Juan said: “When we found out it was reopening, we were happy because we enjoy coming down here from time to time, and I think it is really a gorgeous beach. I hope they keep it up.”
Another beachgoer Clyde Barnes called on the CDA to do more.
“They should install huts and picnic tables under the canopy of trees for patrons of the beach to enjoy. I know that they may have plans to do more, but there is also a gaping hole that should be urgently attended to,” Barnes said.
Calls to the CDA for comment yesterday were unsuccessful.
