Prime Minister Skerrit Highlights Importance of Colihaut’s Sea Defense Wall Project
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has emphasized the critical role of the new sea defense wall in Colihaut, which is currently under construction. During a recent contract signing ceremony in Colihaut, he expressed the government’s satisfaction with delivering this much-needed infrastructure. The project, valued at $897,669.30, aims to protect residents from flooding and other climate-related threats.
“I know we’ve done many sections of the wall post-Maria, and we recognize the need to address the compromised areas quickly,” Skerrit explained. He further stated that the government will prioritize future phases in other areas of Colihaut once the current work is completed. Skerrit also noted that the increasing threat of flooding, exacerbated by climate change, underscores the urgency of such projects across the island. “Gone are the days when rain would fall for weeks and we’d only see the sea turn brown. Now, with every rainfall, we face flooding,” he added.
The project involves building a 70-meter long, 4.5-meter high reinforced concrete wall to replace a damaged section near Zetman Shop. This intervention is designed to protect homes and land from future flooding.
Minister of Public Works Fidel Grant also spoke at the event, confirming that the wall will be completed within 90 days, weather permitting. “This river defense wall is an investment in building resilience, protecting lives, and securing livelihoods,” Grant said. He further explained that the new wall would ease residents’ fears of their homes being washed away during heavy rains.
The work includes the demolition of the existing wall, construction of a new structure, upgrades to river works, and improvements to the surrounding area to ensure better flood control. The project is being carried out by local contractor Monison Roudette.
Parliamentary Representative for Colihaut, Daren Pinard, reminded attendees of the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria, which severely damaged homes in the area. The first phase of the sea defense wall, he said, had provided much-needed protection, and the new phase would build on that success.
As Colihaut moves forward with these critical upgrades, both Prime Minister Skerrit and Minister Grant stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to strengthen Dominica’s resilience to climate change and protect its communities from future disasters.
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