Roseau, Dominica – April 30, 2008……. Stakeholders in the Tourism Industry in Dominica as well as residents of the Roseau Valley are elated following the signing of a contract valued at $22.3 million ECD to upgrade and rehabilitate the roads leading to the major tourist attractions in the Roseau Valley, including Bath Estate to Trafalgar, Laudat to Trafalgar, and the St. Aroment Spur Road.
On Monday, April, 28, 2008, a contract was signed between the Government of Dominica and Dipcon Engineering Services Limited of Trinidad and Tobago for the Road Improvement and Maintenance Project (RIMP).
The Road Improvement and Maintenance Project was developed from a need to improve road standards through new construction and efficient maintenance.
According to Minister for Public Works and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Ambrose George, the works will consist of:
· The reconstruction of 11.3km (7 miles) of the Roseau Valley Roads including asphaltic surfacing and reconstruction of drainage/retaining structures
· Drainage works to include the improvement or construction of concrete box drains, culverts, concrete and earth drains
· Retaining structures in critical areas
· Installation of guard rails, signage and pavement markings
The construction is scheduled to begin in May, 2008 and is expected to continue for a period of one (1) year.
The Roseau Valley has many of Dominica’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Trafalgar
Falls, Boiling Lake, the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, the Middle Ham Falls, Fresh Water Lake, Titou Gorge, among others. The RIMP project is expected to enhance significantly access to these sites.
Meanwhile Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has revealed that the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructural Development is now reviewing the tender documents for the first phase of the Canefield-Melville Hall Road project, with a view to selecting a contractor within the next few weeks.
The first phase of the project (Canefield-Pond Casse) is expected to cost in the region of $25 million. The entire Canefield-Melville Hall Road project is being financed with funds from the French Government and the Government of Dominica.
