PM Roosevelt Skerrit has revealed that construction jobs in Dominica are awarded to local contractors to boost national incomes. But just like members of the opposition party, Justice Dr. Irving Andre, disagreed that this is the case. Skerrit pointed out that housing projects in Canefield and the proposed Future House Programme in Warner and Cottonhill among other places are managed by local citizens.
The prime minister clarified that this will ensure that local expertise is developed to international standards and that Dominican companies are given a level playing field in the construction sector. He added that this will benefit indigenous citizens since they can be employed to work on housing and road construction projects across the Island. He emphasized that his administration remains committed to boosting local talents and keeping Dominica’s money within Dominica.
The chairman of the Canefield Urban Council and a local contractor, Ian Williams, credited the Skerrit government for the housing project ongoing in Canefield East. He said the resilient houses will provide decent homes to vulnerable Dominicans and that it will enable eligible families to own permanent houses of their own. He disclosed that the construction timeline is on schedule and that the finished houses will be handed over to their local owners in the next few months.
Meanwhile, Justice Dr. Irving Andre criticized the DLP administration for awarding juicy construction projects to foreign companies to the detriment of local contractors. He questioned the rationale behind the dearth of juicy contracts to Dominican companies while foreign companies smile to the banks. He blamed the government for impoverishing the citizenry and undermining their construction skills of credible Dominican organizations.
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