News

Tourism Officials on Monday met with bus drivers who operate along the west end of the banks of the Roseau River.

The meeting was the first in a series of consultations with stakeholders who will be affected by the proposed Roseau River Promenade.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Ian Douglas told bus drivers that their perspectives are important to Government.

“We want you to be onboard so that whatever is created in the future has the sentiment and the views of the people on the ground, the people who will use the area and the people who have used the area and who have grown up in the area.  I believe anything that we want to create on the river bank must have your input.”

Claudia Bellot, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism informed bus drivers that part of the plans for the project is the relocation of the bus stops and there have been discussions with the Ministry of Public Works, the Transport Board and the Traffic Department on the subject of two sites which have already been identified for the relocation.

She says, bus drivers will be able to continue operations at their current location during the initial phase of the project.

“We are going to start with the northern wall.  There will be no impact during that period.  Up until the end of 2013, there will be no impact on the relocation of the bus drivers for that period.”

The Roseau River Promenade was conceptualised several years ago to redevelop and revitalise the area along the south west end bank of the Roseau River between The Dominica China Friendship Bridge and the West Bridge.

The project is part of a wider plan for the capital city.

“Several studies including the Roseau Development Plan and the Tourism Master Plan of 2006 and the new draft Tourism Master Plan- which will run from 2013 up to 2022 on which work is ongoing- have focused on the really urgent need to upgrade several areas of Roseau and to make the city a little more attractive for the residents of Roseau, for persons who come into to Roseau to do business and also for our visitors.”

Tourism officials believe the project will stimulate and facilitate economic activity along the river bank in an improved setting. It will also create an area for relaxation, recreation and social interaction and will reduce traffic congestion in that area.

Project designs by Millenia And Sorell Consulting Limited make allowances for the provision of road access for surrounding businesses, a boardwalk connecting the two bridges, wider sidewalks, a restaurant, a mini mall, public convenience and a food court.

Phase One of the two-year project is expected to begin by May this year.

“In January of next year we will commence work on the second wall which is the wall on the southern side of the river.  The boardwalk will be constructed later on in the year and the entire infrastructure...the buildings on the river bank, the work that has to be done on the sidewalks and the road will be done going into 2015.”

The project will be funded by Alba and the Government of Dominica.

There are other meetings planned for vendors, residents, land owners and people who work in the area.