UK, CDB, Government to Fund EC$239 Million Road and Water Supply Project
The United Kingdom Government, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Dominica will fund two infrastructure projects at a cost of EC$239 million to increase climate resilience in Dominica.
Rehabilitation of 11km of roadway between the Loubiere Bridge and Grand Bay will be financed with grant funding of US$32.9 million (EC$88. 8 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom; a Government of Dominica contribution of US$10.7 million (EC$28.8 million); and a CDB loan of US$5.5 million (EC$14.8) million to cover the construction of the Mitchum Bridge. The total cost of the project is EC$132.4 million.
A UK Government grant of US$30.3 (EC$81.8 million) and Government of Dominica and DOWASCO’s contribution of US$9.2 million (EC$24.8 million) will finance the Water Sector Strategic Development Project to improve water supply and distribution infrastructure and upgrade the Jimmit waste water system, at a total cost of EC$106.7 million.
The UK grant funding for both projects is being channeled through the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), administered by the CDB.
One can certainly appreciate the impact on employment in Dominica and on the contracting of goods and services. As a government, we are extremely happy that over the next two years, a total of $239.3 million will be spent in the local economy.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
The Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change with a high susceptibility to natural hazards and aging economic infrastructure. CDB is aware that enhancing the road and water infrastructure in Dominica is critical for the country’s endeavour to become climate resilient by 2030 and the interventions that we are financing in partnership with the UK Government will support the country’s efforts to achieve that goal.
Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, CDB President
The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and safe Caribbean and so we are proud to support these two significant projects which will help Dominica better withstand the climate and economic shocks and transform the lives of its people.
Stefan Kossoff, Development Director for the Caribbean, UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The first phase of the Loubiere to Bagatelle Road Project will include construction of 52 culverts and five bridges.
“The procurement process for the road project is underway. Bids are to be submitted by April 26, 2022, and if all goes well, we anticipate an award of contract by June 2022,” Prime Minister Skerrit said, adding that the contract for the water supply project would be awarded by August 2022, with physical works expected to commence in September 2022.
The water project will improve sanitation, increase the pipe water supply, and enhance the reliability of water service to populations in Wotten Waven, Trafalgar, Castle Bruce, Morne Jaune, Coulibistrie, Grand Savanne, Salisbury, Calibishie and the Roseau Valley.
Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit thanked the UK Government for the generous contribution to Dominica’s development, which he said would help create employment opportunities and bring long-term socio economic benefits to citizens.
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