Governments of Dominica and China break ground for West Coast Road Rehabilitation Project
by Emmanuel H. Joseph Government Information Service
Preparations to begin construction of the much talked about Roseau to Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation Project otherwise known as the West Coast Project are well on the way after the official ground breaking ceremony on Friday, 26th February, 2010 held at the hard courts at Pottersville outside the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. The ceremony was attended by members of Cabinet, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Mayor of Roseau, His Lordship Cecil Joseph among others.
In delivering an overview of the project, Senior Engineer in the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports, Ericson Lewis said that work on the project began as far back as July of 2007 when an official survey team from China visited Dominica.
“As early of July 2007, the official survey team represented by Hernan Provincial, Communications, Planning, Survey and Design Institute visited the Commonwealth of Dominica to undertake a detailed study of this road. Following subsequent visit by the design team in July of 2008, a draft final design was received in January of 2009 for review. Public and private sector engineers and other stakeholders undertook a detailed review of this draft proposal and approval was given in March of 2009 accepting the design with allowance for further discussions on areas of significant interest.”
Senior Engineer in the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports, Ericson Lewis
The project will entail the following but not limited to:
Rehabilitation of some 45.115 km of main road from Hanover Street in Roseau to Borough’s Square in Portsmouth.
The construction of a 66.94m long by 10.5m wide two-lane bridge including sidewalks from Hanover Street to Elliot Avenue
The construction of a large boxed culvert structure and re-alignment of the existing s-bend at Woodbridge Bay with a much improved alignment
Shifting of the existing road under the Canefield Cliff further westward towards the existing sea defence wall
Re-alignment of the s-bend approaching the village of Tarreau from the south with a much improved straighter alignment
Construction of over 1.6km of sea-defence protections at Tarreau and Coulibistrie
Construction of a new large boxed-culvert on approaching Picard to reinstate this failed section of road.
Excavation works will be undertaken along the route to ensure improved line of sight, road width and safety. The entire road section will see significant improvements in drainage structures with replacement of several culvert structures and side drains.
Commemoration plaque
Road safety will be significantly improved with the placement of over five thousand and forty-five metres (5045m) of guard rails and replacement of damaged railings along existing bridges. The entire section of this road will receive a fifty millimetres (50mm) or two inch (2 in) asphaltic concrete driveable surface flowing improvements to the existing sub-base and base structures. The new width of this road will vary from six to 7 metres (6-7m) with an approximate one metre (1m) verge and wider hard shoulders where possible. Road markings and signage will be much improved with the erection and placement of over two hundred and sixty-nine (269) road signs and markings.
Delivering an address at the ground breaking ceremony, Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Deng Boqing, told the gathering that this project, part of the four-pillar project, takes the friendly relations between Dominica and China one step higher to the next level and that it will change the landscape of transportation along the west coast of Dominica.
“It marks, too, the next level where it takes the friendly relations and the economic cooperation between our two countries. China is always dedicated to the economic and social development of Dominica and has provided generous support under this project.
The Roseau – Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation Project is one of the largest aid projects implemented by China in this regime. Its completion will change the landscape of the transportation along the west coast which will surely stimulate a considerable boom in the tourist sector as well as the facilitation of people’s daily life in this area.”
Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Deng Boqing
Mr. Wu Wangliang, General Manager of the contracting firm responsible for the construction work, CR 17 BG Co. Ltd, pledged to observe the laws of Dominica while maintaining their corporate way of business and to deliver the project on time and according to plan.
“We understand that the road rehabilitation project deals with the main access road across Roseau, the capital of Dominica to Portsmouth. Early completion of this project plays a critical role in improving the north to south traffic situation, the development of the social economy along the road and the life of local residents in your country. Therefore, we look forward to the completion of the project.
Mr. Wu Wangliang, General Manager of CR 17 BG Co. Ltd
As a large state-owned construction enterprise, our company boasts rich experience in the construction of highways and bridges. It has successfully implemented a number of overseas projects funded by our government. It is our great honour to be the contractor for the road rehabilitation project from Roseau to Portsmouth. During the contract period, we observe the laws in a country and we show respect to the local customs and habits. Meanwhile, we will also exhibit our corporate culture and philosophies. With our meticulous organisation of skills, scientific management, safety and quality assurance and with a high emphasis on corporate responsibility, we will complete the project within the stipulated time frame.”
Hon. Minister for Public Works, Energy and Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore, pointed out the way forward as far as bringing Dominica’s road network up to international standards.
“The way forward, as far as our efforts are concerned, to improve our roads is been informed by a well designed and put together sectoral plan. We have undertook an audit on the state of our roads: secondary and urban, feeder roads and main roads in our country and we can say to you that we have three hundred and twenty kilometres (320km) of main road out of which only twenty percent (20%) is in a good condition. We cannot get to the next level in our development with our road network in such condition. That is why we are placing so much emphasis on improving our roads. Not only is it critical to intercommunity linkages but it is critical to give new hope and impetus to our advancement in tourism, in health, in commercial real estate and for sustainable jobs as a people. Within five (5) years, we want sixty percent (60%) of our main roads to be in good condition and within the next ten (10) years, one hundred percent (100%) of our main roads to be in good condition.”
Hon. Minister for Public Works, Energy and Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore
In his address, Hon. Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, pointed out that one of the challenges faced by Dominica, over the past years especially with its road network, in its development is the same thing that attracts many to its shore. He noted that in order to move the country forward something has to be done to the island’s road network to bring Dominica up to par with international standards.
“One of the attributes that preserves Dominica and makes it stand out as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean is the ruggedness of the terrain. This ruggedness has been a costly challenge to road construction and maintenance for generations. Historically, it has determined the pace at which our rural communities have been able to move into the mainstream of development. Because good physical connectivity in urban/rural areas is essential for economic growth and because roads are the dominant mode of transport in Dominica, this Government has continually placed great emphasis on expanding and improving the road network throughout the country.”
Hon. Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit
The Prime Minister noted that the road was built in the 1960’s and has not had any major improvements since; notwithstanding, it is a critical carriage way serving as a vital link to the economic livelihood of all citizens along the west coast as well as inhabitants of inland villages covering Borne through to Vielle Case and Penville.
The Honourable Prime Minister went on to say that this road comprises part of the four-pillar project signed on in 2004 in the memorandum of understanding between China and Dominica and it is the third part of the instalment.
“You’ll recall that this road comprise one of the four-pillar projects contained in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and People’s Republic of China and the Government of Dominica in 2004. Since then, we have seen the completion of the new Windsor Park Stadium and also the completion of the first phase of the Dominica Grammar School. The total rehabilitation of the Princess Margaret Hospital is the fourth project that will be financed, all through grants, by the Chinese government”
The Prime Minister was thankful to the government of the People’s Republic of China noting that this contribution comes at a time when countries are struggling to revive from the global economic crisis especially when China itself was not immune to its effects.
“This project is being undertaken at a time when the global economy is struggling to recover from the effects of the recent global financial crisis. It, therefore, comes at a tremendous cost to the Chinese people. The government and people of the People’s Republic of China have their own development challenges to confront. I need not remind you that with a population of over 1.3 billion people it is the most populous country on earth. It has to contend with the problems posed by mass migration from rural to urban areas and like Dominica, it is periodically struck by natural disasters that set back its development objectives. It is therefore with profound gratitude and sincere appreciation that I say thank you to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China for this selfish gift.”
According to Senior Engineer Lewis, the end product will be a significant cost reducer in many aspects of the travelling public.
Breaking of ground
“The end product of this significant aid project costing in excess of one hundred million East Caribbean dollars (XCD$100 000 000.00) will be a much improved road structure which will reduce vehicle operating costs resulting in dollars and cents savings to road users and improved confidence in travel.”
Presently, there are seventeen (17) Chinese technicians on the island including a project manager, laboratory technicians, interpreters, engineers and support staff. Approximately 120 – 150 Chinese workers will be engaged on the project. The construction company intends to rent local machinery and trucking and purchase a significant amount of local construction materials and engage local labour.
The Ministry of Public Works wishes to urge road users to cooperate with the traffic management plan which will be instituted over the next two to two and a half years to facilitate construction activities.
Here's a flash gallery of events as they were captured on still camera.
