Sea defence and road works project to go ahead in Dominica

ROSEAU, Dominica: The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructural Development, who is charged with the responsibility of managing Dominica’s road network, has decided as part of his programme to embark on the Fond St Jean sea defence and road works project. The newly-appointed minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, signed the 2.3 million dollars contract on December 1, 2008.

The project will comprise of the rehabilitation of 240 meters of road, including 290 meters of retaining sea walls. The carriageway will be 6.5 meters wide, with slipper drains on both sides and a 1.5 meter-wide sidewalk. The average height of the retaining wall will be 4 meters.

Programme Manager Emile Lancelot said that the 2.3 million dollar project is expected to be complete within 26 weeks. “The design for the project was done by the ministry of public works and infrastructural development and will be carried out by ACE Engineering, a local contracting company. Supervision of the project will be done by the ministry of public works,” Lancelot said.

Blackmoore pledged his support to the local contracting company. “ACE Engineering, I’m looking forward to working with you to ensure that the contract itself is executed in the quickest and most effective manner,” the minister said.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who is also the Minister of Finance, said that he is elated that this timely project can now get off the ground. He also took time off to recognise a member of parliament, Urban Baron, who has worked tirelessly towards the development of that constituency.

Director of ACE Engineering Anthony Leblanc said that the company will ensure that they present good quality work in the time expected. He views that project as one that brings benefits to all the parties involved. “It is our responsibility now to make sure that we execute the work as expected, good quality work in good time,” Leblanc said.

The community of Fond St Jean, located in the south west of the island is known as a fishing community. The road works can be viewed as very critical to the constituents, since it is the only road leading to and from that community.