...Chamber of commerce demands EIA

The Sunshine City Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Portmore Chamber of Commerce) is insisting that it be presented with a copy of the master plan that the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says will guide any development of the Bernard Lodge lands.

President of the chamber, Norman Walker, is also insisting that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) must be done and shared to ensure that a proper discussion can take place.

"All the information must be presented for a fulsome discussion on the proposed development," said Walker, as he expressed fear that the plan for the Bernard Lodge development will not be carried out in a way that would ensure that it takes place in an environmentally and socially prudent manner.

According to Walker, he wants to ensure that the proposed development will not exacerbate the existing issues facing Portmore and surrounding communities.

He told The Sunday Gleaner that he is not aware of any member of the chamber involved in the plans for the proposed development.

"We are also very concerned that the proposed development area is sitting on aquifers which are critical for the present and future water supply to Portmore," said Walker.

The chamber president said that his concerns extend to the potential negative impact the development could have on the residents of Portmore.

Walker charged that, at present, travelling in and out of the Portmore, especially during peak hours, is already a nightmare, while the road network in the municipality is insufficient for the present population.

The often-repeated concerns about the impact of the development on potable water for Portmore are also shared by Walker.

"At present, we have low pressure or no water far too often and to add an additional 17,000 households without a plan ... . It must be noted that rainfall in this area (Bernard Lodge and its environs) has already reduced significantly," charged Walker.