The Importation of in sand into St Vincent is currently on the list of government priorities, this was disclosed by Senator Julian Francis, who holds the portfolio as Minister of Transport and Works.
Francis at a press conference on Monday morning noted that the mining of sand from beaches across the multi island state could not continue.
“We can’t extend the practice of mining sand from our beaches in SVG, particularly so in Brighton and Diamond”.
Residents in those communities have complained of severe erosion the area.
Francis said along with the importation of sand, BRAGSA, The Buildings, Roads and General Services Authority, would be at the centre of producing what is called “Construction Sand.”
“A lot of the sand used during the construction of the Argyle Airport was crushed sand or Construction Sand washed from the Rabbaca Dry River”.
Francis said Government would on Wednesday decide on the way forward.
“It looks like we are going to open back up the importation of sand”.
Francis said; “you can expect the private sector people who are going to do such would want to make a dollar from it, the price of sand is going to go up, it is going to affect the construction industry”.
The Minister, however, said the government would look at how best to handle the situation