CDB and UK govt to fund two infrastructure projects of cost of ECEC$239 million in Dominica

Further, Prime Minister held a meeting with the President of the Caribbean Development Bank President Dr. Hyginus 'Gene' Leon on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in Roseau. He was on his first trip to the country.

CDB and UK govt to fund two infrastructure projects of cost of ECEC$239 million in Dominica
CDB and UK govt to fund two infrastructure projects of cost of ECEC$239 million in Dominica

Roseau, Dominica: In order to facilitate the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica in achieving the climate resilience in the country, the government of the United Kingdom, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), will fund the two infrastructure projects at the cost of ECEC$239 million. 

The two major projects are the Rehabilitation of 11km 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 total cost of the project is EC$132.4 million.

As per the Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, the 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 Jimmie wastewater system, at a total cost of EC$106.7 million.

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

Further, Prime Minister held a meeting with the President of the Caribbean Development Bank President Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in Roseau. He was on his first trip to the country. 

While highlighting the various aspects, PM Skerrit noted, “One can certainly appreciate the impact on employment in Dominica and on the contracting of goods and services. As a government, we are extremely happy that over the next two years, a total of $239.3 million will be spent in the local economy.”

Further, the CDB president also extended his wording and stated that this is important to consider the various parameters which could be helpful to resolve the issue of climate change.

“The Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change with a high susceptibility to natural hazards 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,” said the CDB President.

In addition to that, Stefan Kossoff, Development Director for the Caribbean, UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also extended their helping hands to Dominica. 

He said that the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and safe Caribbean and so 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 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 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.

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit also thanked the UK Government for the generous contribution to Dominica’s development, which he said would help create employment opportunities and bring long-term socio economic benefits to citizens.