Roseau, Dominica: The preparations for the commencement of construction of the Dominica International Airport project is in full swing in the country. CEO of the International Airport development company Samuel Johnson stated they are nearing the commencement of construction on the airport.
The Dominica International Airport project is the biggest contracted project in the history of the country. It will present numerous opportunities for socio-economic growth as jobs become available during and after its construction for residents of Wesley and Dominica by extension.
China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group Company Limited or CR5 was awarded the 1 billion EC Dollar Plus contract for the Dominica International Airport project. CR5 was chosen to undertake the design, construction, supply, completion, testing and commissioning of the International Airport meant to serve as a premier global gateway to Dominica.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday Johnson said that the contractor has been mobilized that is getting ready for construction.
“I often talk about the project in four stages getting ready to construct, construction, getting ready to operate and then finally operations. CR5 is in that zone right now or the project actually is in that zone between getting ready to construct and constructed and what that entails is a mobilization of the contractor so we’ve seen a few months ago the arrival of several pieces of equipment and several personnel from CR5 to the island and the intent there being with an advanced team to really go through and get a feel for the site, ”said the CEO.
He explained that key areas have been identified and prepared for the development of the project. Johnson asserted that they were given a lot of the initial concept documents through the tender process. They saw some of the preliminary Geotech work, they saw some of the site plans and some of the designs in preparation for the project, he noted.
Adding further, Johnson asserted that with the arrival on site they started getting ready key areas that would help support the development of the project stating,” A lot of clearing ongoing, roadways through the entire course in through the entire project site for the facilitation of movement of personnel equipment and materials.”
The manufacturing plant for concrete production is currently under construction and Johnson cited that the batch plant area is being constructed and that really is intended to provide the production facilities for concrete asphalt, concrete being a key requirement for all the Civil Works such as the culverts, the tunnel, the apron of the airport, the retaining walls that have to be built.
Johnson added that as the preparation works continue more equipment and personnel are expected to arrive on island. He said that they also came with part of their design team earlier in January to do a review of some of the drawings and meet with key stakeholders and also to get a feel for the island because one of the things that he want to ensure that in the final designs there’s an appreciation for the local culture, the norms even observantly must have driven around the entire Island to get a feel for the construction, the slopes, the terrain.
“The aircraft Boeing 777 is going through several different model extensions and model upgrades, while the Airbus A 350 has also been accommodated. We have also accommodated the 787 Dreamliner,” remarked Johnson.
Anglina Byron, developed a deep-seated passion for journalism. Anglina is recognized for her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering honest and reliable news across the Caribbean. She covers general affairs of the region.
