Kalalu Building demolished to improve Castries East area

The government plans to demolish the old Kalaru building in Marchand to revamp the East Castries constituency.

The Marchand community is a hub for lively sports and entertainment events, as well as some enterprising social projects.

According to official sources, the abandoned buildings at the entrance of Marchand will be demolished to create a vibrant and welcoming gateway to Marchand.

Significantly, the project marks the beginning of infrastructure works to beautify the eastern part of Castries.

Suzette Jean, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Facilities Development, explained in March that the government acquired the abandoned property to provide space for an upcoming development. The building was considered a health hazard and posed a risk to residents of the community.

Taking into account the importance of community safety and well-being, the building was demolished to provide a safer environment and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

Premier and Castries East MP Philip J Pierre said he was committed to ensuring adequate safeguards were provided to individuals living in the Callaloo building to ensure a “win-win” situation for the community and residents.

According to PS, “We are currently in discussions with him. We have already identified a lot of things for him and we will assist him in setting up a structure… so we will make sure that he is able to move out and is comfortable before we demolish the structure.”

Prime Minister Pierre stressed that the demolition of the building was part of a broader effort to beautify the community.

In addition, the Philip Park in Mindu is undergoing repairs and upgrades, and works have also begun on the Marchand Fields. This development is seen as the government’s commitment to improving public spaces.

Additionally, plans are underway to construct a new ‘Boating Court’ at the MPP, while the renovation of James Belgrave Court, located within the Marchand site compound, is expected to further contribute to the overall revitalization of the area.