News

The Government of Dominica has collaborated with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom to fund two major projects at the cost of EC 239 million dollars aimed at increasing climate resilience in Dominica.

These two major projects include the rehabilitation of eleven kilometers of roadway between Loubiere and Grand Bay and the Water Sector Strategic Development Project.

The rehabilitation of the 11 kilometres of roadway between the Loubiere Bridge and Grand Bay will be financed with grant funding of US $32.9 million (EC $88. 8 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom; a Government of Dominica contribution of US $10.7 million (EC $28.8 million); and a CDB loan of US $5.5 million (EC $14.8) million to cover the construction of the Mitchum Bridge. The total cost of the project is EC $132.4 million.

Prime Minister Skerrit explained that this is a major investment to “improve communication, to improve access and enhance safety for the road users between Loubiere Grand Bay and Bagatelle.”

He noted that Government expects to award a contract for the project by June of this year.

“This will be the first phase of the Loubiere to Bagatelle Road Project. The first phase will include the construction of fifty-two culverts and five bridges. The procurement process of the road project is underway. These are to be submitted by April 26 2022. If all goes well, we are anticipating to award a contract by June 2020,” Prime Minister Skerrit stated.

Construction works are projected to begin in September 2020.

Meanwhile, a UK Government grant of US $30.3 (EC $81.8 million) and Government of Dominica and DOWASCO’s contribution of US $9.2 million (EC$ 24.8 million) will finance the Water Sector Strategic Development Project to improve water supply and distribution infrastructure and upgrade the Jimmit waste water system, at a total cost of EC $106.7 million.

“This money came to us after the passage of Hurricane Maria and we recognized as a Government that our water system was civilly exposed too elements. And the question is how we go about building greater resilience in our water system, so that in the event of a disaster that the restoration could be much faster than otherwise. So when the British came to offer us those funds, the Government felt like it would not be in our interests to spend it across various sectors but focus on one particular sector, the water sector, which was identified. So they sent in the experts to assist us in doing the reconnaissance and advising on the specific interventions along with the engineers from DOWASCO itself,” PM Skerrit noted.

PM Skerrit went on to add that all designs have been completed for the Water Sector Strategic Development Project and consultants have submitted documents for CDB’s final review and approval.

When completed, the water project is expected to improve sanitation, increase the pipe water supply, and enhance the reliability of water service to over 56,000 citizens in Wotten Waven, Trafalgar, Castle Bruce, Morne Jaune, Coulibistrie, Grand Savanne, Salisbury, Calibishie and the Roseau Valley. 

 PM Skerrit then thanked the partners in this project saying “we are very grateful for the partnership and the support from the UK Government, and the Canadian Government and the CDB,” adding that these investments will “help create employment opportunities and bring long-term socio economic benefits to citizens.”

President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon stated that the CDB recognizes that these projects will help bring Dominica closer to its goal of becoming the world’s first climate resilient nation.

“The Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change with a high susceptibility to natural hazards and aging economic infrastructure. CDB is aware that enhancing the road and water infrastructure in Dominica is critical for the country’s endeavour to become climate resilient by 2030 and the interventions that we are financing in partnership with the UK Government will support the country’s efforts to achieve that goal,” Dr. Leon stated.

The CDB President reiterated the bank’s commitment to assisting in the development of Dominica and building a better future for citizens .

“You have our commitment and I am looking forward to your support, your dedication. It’s a joint responsibility of all. We all have our part to play to help build a future. So let’s give it our very best. You have my and the CDB’s full commitment.  So Prime Minister and citizens of Dominica, CDB is there to be with you, support you, work with you so that if not tomorrow but in another fifty years we can turn back and say we did it,” Dr. Leon added.