UK, CDB & Govt of Dominica to fund EC$239M road project

Dominica: The United Kingdom Government, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Dominica will fund two infrastructure projects at the cost of EC$239 million to increase climate resilience in Dominica.

Rehabilitation of 11 km 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 cost of the project is EC$132.4 million.

A UK Government grant of US$30.3 (EC$81.8 million) and the 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 wastewater system, at a total cost of EC$106.7 million.

The UK grant funding for both projects would be channelled through the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), which is administered by the CDB.

“One can certainly appreciate the impact on employment in Dominica and on the contracting of goods and services. As a government, we are glad that over the next two years, a total of $239.3 million will be spent in the local economy,” said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, following a meeting with the CDB President Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in Roseau.

CBD’s President stated, “The Caribbean Region is one of the most vulnerable worldwide to climate change with a high susceptibility to natural calamities and ageing 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.”

Furthermore, Development Director for the Caribbean, UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Stefan Kossoff, stated that the United Kingdom would remain committed to the support a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and safe Caribbean.

The development director added, “We are proud to support these two significant projects, which will help Dominica better withstand the climate and economic shocks and transform the lives of its people.”

The first phase of the Loubiere to Bagatelle Road Project will include the construction of 52 culverts and five bridges.

“The procurement process for the road project is underway. Bids are to be submitted by April 26, 2022, and if all goes well, we anticipate an award of the contract by June 2022,” Prime Minister Skerrit said, adding that the contract for the water supply project would be awarded by August 2022, with physical works expected to commence in September 2022.

The water project will improve sanitation, increase the pipe water supply, and enhance the reliability of water service to populations in Wotten Waven, Trafalgar, Castle Bruce, Morne Jaune, Coulibistrie, Grand Savanne, Salisbury, Calibishie and the Roseau Valley. The wastewater upgrade at Jimmit will facilitate 180 new household connections.