THE Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will be financing the development of 14 beaches across the island as part of its National Beach Development Programme.

Valued at an estimated $250 million, the project is aimed at equipping public beaches with children play areas, seating with tables, picnic areas, gazebos, restrooms, changing rooms, adequate parking, lifeguard towers, and utilities, inclusive of running water and electricity.

“This programme will involve the upgrading and upkeep of at least one beach from each parish,” said TEF executive director, Clyde Harrison.

Some of the beaches identified include: Burwood, Trelawny; Providence Park, Montego Bay; Norman Manley Beach Park, Negril; Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth; Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine; Salem, St Ann; and Boston in Portland.

“We want to include kiosks for the comfort of the visitors and we want to make these as natural as possible so it does not take away from the beach and tropical feel….Where possible, we want to have concessionaires. For some beaches, we are even thinking of dual futsal (five-a-side football) and beach volleyball courts, and facilities for beach football,” Harrison added.

He said designs have already been done for 10 of the beaches, and that work is already underway at Boston, Norman Manley, and Providence Park.

The TEF executive director pointed out that community consultations are taking place to advise residents about the plans and seek their buy-in.

In terms of maintenance, Harrison said the plan is to make the areas self-sustaining, through the provision of water sports and other activities at a cost, in order to cover operational expenses.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2015.