PM Skerrit assesses Aux Delices landslide, announces EC$1 million for alternative route

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit announced that the steps are taken to stabilise the road at Aux Delices following the landslide that occurred recently. He said that the government is working to improve the alternative route between Delices and Petite Savanne, and address drainage and overgrown vegetation.

He assessed the condition of the road and said that the government is also examining options to create additional road width through the affected area as part of measures to improve safety while a more comprehensive solution is developed.

“The question will be what can we do that can enhance road safety while we look at a bigger project,” Dr Skerrit said. He also acknowledged that the area has presented a longstanding challenge because of the terrain and the cost associated with major stabilisation works.

“Even if you build a retaining wall, you must stabilise the slope,” he explained. “And so the cost is always high.”

“It’s absolutely important that we firm up a course of action for this area and come back to you to discuss an approach to it,” he said. “We do not want to spare any effort towards enhancing the security and the thoroughfare here.”

As part of the immediate response, the Government will improve the Petite Savanne–Delices alternative route to provide residents of Dominica’s Southeast with an additional means of access.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the bridge along the route has already been constructed, with resurfacing now among the key works required to make the route more accessible.

“It’s just to do the resurfacing, so I’ll give instructions to go ahead with that,” the Prime Minister said.

He indicated that approximately EC$1 million will be allocated to advance the works, which are intended to provide residents with greater reassurance should the primary route become inaccessible.

“So at least it gives greater peace of mind to the residents that if this is blocked, we can certainly use an alternative route,” he said.

The planned works will also include drainage improvements and the clearing of vegetation along the route. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit identified uncontrolled water flow as one of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the roadway.

“You guys are the ones who have been using the road for decades, so you know the place better than anybody else,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of incorporating local knowledge as the Government considers a more sustainable, long-term solution for the route.