Colihaut

Colihaut is a coastal village on Dominica’s west coast in the Saint Peter Parish. Positioned overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it is celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community resilience. The Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway passes directly through Colihaut, making it a crucial connection between Dominica’s northern and western regions. The Colihaut River, which flows through the village, adds to the scenic charm and supports the local ecosystem and agriculture.

Colihaut Location and Natural Features

Colihaut, nestled between Anse Cola and Seraphin, is part of Dominica’s picturesque west coast. With the Colihaut River providing vital resources and scenic beauty, the village’s grey-sand beach stretches along the coastline, bordered by palms and encircled by mountains. This setting offers an inviting spot for swimming, fishing, and relaxation. Colihaut’s proximity to rivers and rainforests makes it a key area in Dominica’s natural landscape, featuring Kachibona Lake, which falls just outside the Morne Diablotin National Park, accessible through hiking Segment #9 of the Waitukubuli National Trail.

Historical Significance and Cultural Heritage

Historically, Colihaut has been central to Dominica’s agricultural economy, with its fertile lands supporting sugar cane production during the colonial period. Later, the village transitioned to growing bananas and other crops, reflecting the economic shifts in Dominica’s agriculture. The village’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through annual events such as Creole Day and Emancipation Day, which highlight traditional music, dance, and other artistic expressions central to Colihaut’s community life.

Several vital landmarks add to Colihaut’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The Colihaut Roman Catholic Cemetery holds historical significance. At the same time, places of worship like the Colihaut Baptist Church and the Colihaut Calvary Seventh-Day Adventist Church serve as community hubs for spiritual gatherings and local events. The Colihaut Village Council is essential in local governance, overseeing infrastructure and community development projects.

Community Facilities and Services

Despite its small size, Colihaut offers a variety of facilities that cater to the needs of its residents:

Colihaut Primary School: This educational institution is central to the community. After Tropical Storm Erika devasted the school in 2015, it was temporarily closed, and students were transferred to Dublanc Primary School for nearly two years until repairs were completed. The primary school continues to serve local children, providing primary education to the village’s younger generation.
Colihaut Health Centre: Constructed in 2017 following community consultations with the Roman Catholic Church, the health centre provides primary healthcare to Colihaut residents and is an essential addition to local infrastructure. It was built in response to the need for medical facilities after the severe impact of Tropical Storm Erika.
Post Office and Credit Union: These facilities offer essential financial and postal services to the community, supporting residents’ economic stability and daily needs.
Day Nursery: This facility offers childcare for young children, assisting local families with daytime support.
Colihaut Sporting Field: The sporting field is a recreational space where residents gather for sports, cultural events, and social interactions, strengthening the sense of community.
West Indies Aggregates Limited is crucial in Dominica’s thriving aggregates industry. Colihaut is renowned for its quarries and supplies essential construction materials, playing a central role in the local economy and the region’s development.

Impact of Tropical Storm Erika and Recovery Efforts

In August 2015, Tropical Storm Erika devastated Colihaut, causing severe flooding and structural damage. The Colihaut River overflowed its banks, resulting in the collapse of homes and the displacement of families. The economic disruption affected agricultural activities and led to the temporary closure of the Colihaut Primary School. Recovery efforts included extensive river dredging in 2018 to prevent future flooding and the establishment of new infrastructure, such as the Colihaut Health Centre. These projects, led by the Colihaut Village Council and supported by national and international aid, reflect Colihaut’s resilience and commitment to rebuilding and preparing for future challenges.

Economy and Community Life

Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Colihaut’s economy, with crops such as bananas, citrus fruits, and root vegetables grown in the fertile lands near the Colihaut River. Fishing is also an essential livelihood, with the Caribbean Sea providing ample resources to support local markets. The presence of West Indies Aggregates Limited adds to the village’s economic diversity, offering employment and contributing to the local economy.

Colihaut’s close-knit community actively participates in cultural preservation and development projects. The Community Day of Service brings residents together to work on improving infrastructure, maintaining public spaces, and enhancing the village’s natural beauty. Programs under initiatives like the Dominica Rural Enterprise Project (D-REP) have provided support and resources to local farmers, promoting sustainable practices and increasing agricultural productivity.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

Colihaut’s proximity to the Central Forest Reserve and Saint Peter Parish’s natural landscapes make conservation a priority for the village. The Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division oversees conservation efforts to protect local wildlife and maintain ecological balance. The dredging of the Colihaut River in 2018 was part of these conservation initiatives aimed at reducing the impacts of flooding and preserving the village’s infrastructure. Ongoing efforts focus on sustainable development, ensuring that Colihaut’s natural resources remain protected for future generations.