The Chairman and Members Land Development Control Authority c/o Physical Planning Unit Ministerial Complex St. George’s Attn: Mr Anthony Payne, Chairman Mr. Cecil Frederick, Head of Physical Planning Unit Dear Chairman and Members, Re Sogecoa Mansion/International Hotel – Woodlands Thank you for your prompt acknowledgement of my letter November 22nd re queries Port Louis/Camper and Nicholson. Your acknowledgement also advised that a number of other developments were also under investigation. I therefore take this opportunity to offer my queries and concerns in respect of that PINK building located in the vicinity of the Woodlands sugar factory – Sagecoa Mansion. While what appears to be the first phase of that construction is already complete, there is continuing work being undertaken by persons who appear to be nationals of the People’s Republic of China. There are queries and concerns about the work that has already been completed and the work that is currently underway since it has implications for one of the country’s very important natural resources, its WATER RESOURCES. This matter should therefore also be a matter of national concern: The construction of the Sagecoa Mansion has taken place on the location of an AQUIFER which feeds NAWASA’s boreholes. These boreholes provide water to an extensive area of the southern St. George’s, including the all important tourist belt. This AQUIFER is known to be a particularly significant and reliable water source during the dry season. Permit me the following queries: • Was PLANNING PERMISSION granted by the Authority to do this development in the middle of a sensitive area, i.e. a water source? Did the Authority give permission for a HOTEL to be constructed in the area? I understand that there are COVENANTS governing the use of the land in this area, suggesting therefore that the Sageocoa Mansion and possibly other developments in the area are in breach of those convenants. • Has the construction, that has been already carried out, compromised the integrity of the aquifer? • What are the implications for the aquifer re sewage treatment and waste water from the Sagecoa Restaurant /Hotel? • What are the implications for the aquifer re use of chemicals e.g. termite treatment for the foundation of the present construction? • Have recent STOP ORDERS have been served on the construction? Have these stop orders been IGNORED? It would appear that the developers of the Sagecoa Mansion have also TAMPERED with the water course – apparently an attempt to alter its natural course, to increase the area available for construction. This attempt to alter the water course appears to be contributing to increased FLOODING of the area, particularly the access road used by other residents of the area. Additionally, the construction has resulted in much soil, sand and other construction material clogging up the water course which has become very shallow and unable to effectively handle the increased volume of water during the very heavy rains that were experienced recently. The recent flooding of the homes of two residents in the Woodlands area, which took place during the week of the heavy rains last Tuesday, November 18th, is directly linked to this clogging up of the water course. It should also be noted that this water course empties into the (now) dead mangrove area of the Clarke’s Court Bay. Since the mangrove area is dead, it means that the mangrove can no longer play a protective and filtering role. so that great amounts of silt are now being washed directly into the sea to the detriment of any reefs in that area which forms part of a legislated Marine Protected Area. Chairman and members, you are all aware the world is facing a GLOBAL WATER CRISIS. It therefore behoves us here in Grenada to protect and manage the water resources with which our country has been endowed – for present and future generations. Thank you for playing your part in ensuring responsible physical development in Grenada.. I thank you for the opportunity to offer these queries and concerns. I look forward to a definitive response and action by the Authority.. Sincerely yours, Sandra C.A. Ferguson Inside Grenada News