The groundbreaking ceremony by PM Skerrit was held on 20th September 2024 at Geneva, Playing Field, Grandbay for the commencement of the $120-million-dollar rehabilitation project of Loubiere to Bagatelle Road and bridge construction.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked all the members for joining the ceremony and said, “ We are talking about the start of a major road project, the entire roadway stretching from Loubiere to Grand Bay in the first phase.” He also added that the rehabilitation project will take place in different phases.
The first phase of the rehabilitation project includes 10-11 kilometers of asphaltic concrete upgradation, the construction of five major bridges, and the installation of an improved drainage system and culverts. It also includes the widening of roads and the inclusion of slope stability interventions. The slope stability intervention will increase the road safety. The primary aim of the project is to improve the southern part of the island which was damaged by Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria.
The Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy (MoPWPUDE) will implement the rehabilitation project through the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD).
The aim of the rehabilitation project is to increase road connectivity and the transportation network in Dominica. The growth of infrastructure will provide better living conditions for the citizens of Dominica. The project will open the job opportunities for hundreds of people seeking employment and hence help in improving their financial status. The road construction will benefit a total of 6,025 citizens by accessing safe roads that withstand different natural calamities.
The Government of the United Kingdom joined their hands in funding the project through the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership and the Government of Dominica. This transformative project will focus on improving transportation network and connectivity, overall travel experience and road safety for everyone. Economically weaker communities will be highly benefited as they can engage in infrastructure and construction of roads and bridges.
In May 2016, the technical assistance was approved for the project, later in March 2022, the Capital Project was approved, and in March 2023, the Project re-scoping and re-design were completed. Finally, on 20th September 2024, the government of Dominica officially commenced the rehabilitation project. The project is expected to be concluded by December 2025, benefitting residents of Dominica with road safety and improved lifestyles.
In the second phase of the project, 6.25 km road between Snug Corner and Pichelin will be extended with the installment of 35 culverts and the interventions of the 12 slopes.
