The Magua Road- the main road passing through the community of Bellevue Chopin- is again in focus.
On Thursday, January 21st, GIS News and the area’s Hon Parliamentary Representative, Dr. Kenneth Darroux was on that work site.
The entire road is being rebuilt in phases; the first 450 feet was overhauled last may and the second 450 feet began just last week. Each phase costs $70,000.
Contractor and community man, Agrippa Morancie has more than a decade of experience in projects like these and is already midway.
“I think it’s a very good project and I just hope for the completion of the entire road. It has been bad for a while and everybody is complaining so I would just like to see it completed,” he said.
Nine locals are employed on the project.
The Magua Road winds and climbs through the small community and leads to several more houses atop the hill.
For a long time, residents and users have had to make their way up this dusty and bumpy yet well-trodden road.
Hon Dr. Kenneth Darroux is looking to put an end to that.
“I think it’s commendable that just a few months after Tropical Storm Erika, when we know that efforts are concentrated on rebuilding and repairing, Government can find financing to finish this road in Bellevue Chopin. This is a commitment which we made to the people last year. As the MP, my hope and aim is that we can continue with very little interruptions because there is still a sizeable amount of road to be done.”
He added, “As the MP, It’s always a joy to go to a community and see something happening; apart from the road being necessary, the employment of young people always brings a [good] feeling to the community when something positive is happening.”
The contractor got special mention from Hon. Darroux.
“I really would like to like to commend the contractor for his stellar work. I wish I had the power to give him all concrete works around the island because he does wonderful work and creates employment for the young men of the community. That is commendable.”
Minister Darroux adds that the resettlement of the people of Petite Savanne in the Bellevue Chopin area plays into the spin-off benefits of the almost fully motorable road.
“In the next few months, the Petit Savanne community will most likely be settled in the Bellevue Chopin area so improving the infrastructure is of paramount importance.”
A Basic Needs Trust Fund project was approved to improve the water supply in Bellevue Chopin. According to the Hon. Minister, a review of the project scope will take place to accommodate the Petite Savanne people.
Meanwhile, District Nurse Maria Moise has a professional stake in the completion of this project.
“When I came in, the road was in a dilapidate condition however I am happy to see that it is being improved because when it was very difficult for the ambulance to carry out sick people. Now that improvement has taken place, I am very happy and I want to thank the Government of Dominica.”
Hon Darroux hopes that the entire road will be finished this year as well as other village roads in Bellevue Chopin.
The funding for this project was routed through the Ministry of Constituency Empowerment.