Dominica’s road network to get improvement programme
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| Published on Friday, May 25, 2007 |
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ROSEAU, Dominica: Dominica’s road network is to receive much needed focus through the Road Improvement Programme under the 9th European Development (EDF) National Indicative Programme (NIP).
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| Gloria Tavenier, Public Works Corporation, Edward Lambert, NAO/EDF, Minister for Public Works and Public Utilities, Ambrose George, Nigel Penfold, WSP International |
Speaking at the signing ceremony to mark the commencement of the Programme this week, Minister for Public Works and Public Utilities, Ambrose George, explained the Programme will undertake specific objectives:
• To develop a ten year strategic road maintenance programme for the identification and sourcing of equipment, spares and new plant for use by the Public Works Corporation
• To train all the Corporation and Maintenance staff
• To undertake institutional and organizational reform of the Public Works Corporation and the Roads Maintenance Unit
• Implementation of a road maintenance programme using the balance of funds under the Programme
Ambrose George further explained that 455,000 euros will be spent on a consultancy by WSP International over a period of eighteen months. Another 420,000 euros will go towards the purchase of equipment and supplies for the Public Works Corporation. A further $50,000 euros will be used for the project evaluation and audit at the end of the programme.
According to George, the remaining EC$8 million is expected to go towards the financing for the maintenance of Dominica’s roads.
Initially the construction of the Petite Soufriere/Rosalie Link Road was intended to be financed under the 9th EDF. However Ambrose George told the media that additional financial resources would have to be found to construct that road.
The Minister however gave the assurance that the Government remains committed to construct that vital Road which is expected to cost in the region of $12 million.
The Road Improvement Programme is designed for a period of three years and is expected to come to an end in December 2010. |
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