Sunset Boardwalk plagued with vandalism and garbage; SPTC details new plans for the area

Since the inauguration of the multi-million dollar Sunset Boardwalk project in 2014, there have been several unending issues with it. The bathrooms have been vandalized to the point that it would need major repairs. In addition, the football grounds and general area around the Sunset Boardwalk Welcome vicinity abounds with the unpleasant sight of garbage. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has confirmed however, that with the new plans for the area, repairs will be done and security will be put in place.

Just a casual walk around the area reveals so much garbage floating around from the Hon Louis Sylvestre Football Stadium, commonly referred to as the Saca Chispas football field. The garbage is a result of what is left behind from events as well as the nightly football activities on the field. While it is not an excuse to just dump garbage anywhere, there are no garbage bins installed to ensure that users of the facilities have an option to contain litter. Instead, they leave their garbage behind, creating a most unpleasant sight. The garbage, mostly plastic bottles, Styrofoam plates and plastic bags, is left at the mercy of the wind, which blows all over the area, creating the unsightly mess that has become a concern to nearby businesses.

While the garbage situation is one thing, the other issue has to do with the bathroom facilities that have been completely wrecked. The facilities at the Sunset Board Walk have no night security, making it an easy target for vandals. As such, the doors of the bathroom have been broken for months and all indications are that huge rocks were used to break the urinals to pieces. The toilets and wash basins have equally been vandalized beyond use. "The place is wrecked and the sad part is that nobody is there to watch over the facility. When you go into the bathroom area, the stench of feces that is just left in the toilet bowls is unbearable. The condition is unsanitary, unhealthy and unacceptable," said Elito Arceo.

When questioned about resolving the situation, Mayor Daniel Guerrero said that, the SPTC is in the process of repairing the bathrooms, which will be completed by May 9th. In addition, he indicated that the council is in the process of hiring security staff, two of which will be used permanently for the Sunset Boardwalk Area.

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