HOLLIS DAM12:55:34 PM

One of the most scenic places in the Northern Range is Hollis Reservoir built between 1934 to 1936 it is the oldest dam in the country. This spectacular landscape located three miles north of Valencia, between the valleys of Aripo and Cumaca. Its water supply comes from the Quare River and when full can supply 8.2 million gallons of water to the people of Arouca, Arima, Cleaver Road, D’Abadie and environments. The soothing ambience and picturesque surrounding makes it an ideal spot for a family picnic. The lake enclosed by towering mountains attracts a variety of wildlife and birds however not permitted are fishing, hunting and swimming.
Colonial Governor Sir Alfred Claud Hollis constructed Hollis Reservoir he governed Trinidad and Tobago from 1930 to 1936. He was a visionary and best remembered for his development of waterworks, electricity, Piarco Airport (1931) and harbor construction. He had a keen interest in the welfare of those he governed and recognised the potential of Dr. Eric Williams. He gave him a grant of 50 pounds to further his studies for two years at Oxford University. In the 1920’s cocoa declined and by 1930, there was a downturn in the economy however despite this he noticed an increase in the population along the Spanish Royal Road (now the Eastern Main Road) and the importance of constructing a dam. His perception paid off in 1941, the Americans setup a military base at Cumoto providing opportunities for employment and by the end of the war in 1945 the population of Arima and nearby towns increased to over 10,000. In 1946, the new Governor Sir Bede Clifford tried to build a similar dam at Caura but the project failed.

The trek over the Aripo Hills to Hollis Reservoir starts from Mt. Poui Road in Aripo. The first part of the expedition is a short uphill climb, which will take 30 minutes to reach the mountain’s crest. The path along the ridge continues in an easterly direction and then descent unto the outskirts of the dam.