Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit shared a new update on the construction of the International Airport in Dominica. He said for thirty years the airport has been in question, but the Dominica Labour Party-led government is finally putting it into context.
He said the signs of the development at the airport site in Wesley are visible. Adding that contractors are making site preparations including clearing of land. “Significant work has been done, we discussed with the developers and contractors to advance the work to have a shorter period of time to complete the construction.
The discussions are being held, and a strategy is being placed forward to advance the work,” said Prime Minister Skerrit.
He also expressed confidence in the contracting firm and said over 94 local Dominicans are directly employed in the construction, adding that the numbers are excluding the local truckers contributing to the building of the international airport.
Skerrit added that numerous others have found indirect jobs including farmers providing agricultural produce, and eggs to labour among other necessities.
Prime Minister emphasized that the Government is making sure that people holding different skill sets are given a chance to express it in the construction. He added that the International Airport is a huge project, and it is the most expensive project to undertake in the country.
“The Government is on top of ensuring that Dominicans get work. I have seen a number of people from Wesley opt out of the National Employment Programme (NEP) because they are engaged in the construction of the international airport,”.
Humorously, Prime Minister added that as the construction continues Wesley has become a congested place because people are curious to witness the progress at the site.
PM Skerrit added that in 2004, when he assumed office as the Prime Minister, back then planes could not land in Dominica at night due to a lack of resources. He said that International Airport has been an utmost necessity for Dominicans for decades.
Furthermore, he added that the investments made it possible for major air carriers such as American Airlines to land in Dominica in the present day. He said that many people thought the government could not make anything possible.
He added that some people even doubted the construction of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, Dominica- China Hospital, and Dominica State College but all came into existence indicating that the International Airport will become a reality in Dominica
