Dominica air and sea access 'to improve gradually'

Last updated: October 18, 2017 at 8:15 am

The CEO of Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) has given a full update on the flight and ship access to the country following the passage of Hurricane Maria.

Benoit Bardouille, speaking at the government’s daily press briefing, thanked the public for continued support “despite the difficult circumstances in which we operate”.

Among the updates were that passenger services had returned to Roseau Ferry Terminal, which was severely damaged during the 18 September storm.

Operations were transferred to Woodbrige Bay Port, which Bardouille explained was done “under difficult circumstances because the Woodbridge Bay Port itself suffered damage”.

“Given the dangerous exposure to heavy equipment and cargo, a decision was taken to rehabilitate the Roseau Ferry Terminal to allow for a better reception for incoming and outgoing passengers,” he said.

“A tremendous effort was made by a number of agencies all in an effort to bring service back to the Roseau Ferry Terminal.”

[caption id="attachment_6675" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Watch Roseau Bay back in action.[/caption]

Despite losing 85% of it's roof during the storm, Woodbridge Bay Port has so far taken 73 20-foot container units, 70 40-foot container units, 611 pieces of poles, 107 pieces of telecommunication equipment and 13 cell sites as part of relief efforts.

"The message to all is that the Woodbridge Bay Port is open for commercial traffic despite the setbacks as a result of the damages to the transit sheds and other areas," said Bardouille.

"Container unstuffing for barrels, boxes, pallets, cartons of personal effects are being undertaken, not at the same pace as was done before Hurricane Maria, but being done to try to ensure that persons can receive the barrels and boxes sent by their families and friends."

Limited berthing space and a lack of lighting means some ships are experiencing delays but once lighting is restored ships will be able to dock at night, he added.

Flights underway

Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, Dominica's main airport was not wiped out as initially feared.

Douglas-Charles Airport suffered minor damage to the roof in the air traffic control tower. The runway, taxiway and apron were left intact, but the fencing suffered damage in a number of areas.

The worst hit area was towards the east, or seaside area.

The terminal suffered damage as a result of flooding on the south side but this was dealt with during the first recovery efforts to allow for relief flights, food supplies, medical and other personnel to fly to and from the airport.

LIAT, Seaborne and Air Sunshine are now flying commercial routes into Dominica, and Bardouille said he is expecting WinAir to resume flights soon.

The picture is worse at Dominica's other airport, however.

[caption id="attachment_6155" align="aligncenter" width="500"] ©Ben Parker/IRIN[/caption]

"The Canefield Airport suffered tremendous damage to the terminal, air traffic control tower, maintenance building and the Fire Station," said the DASPA chief.

Although it was used as the main entry by air after Hurricane Maria, air traffic control operation is currently being carried out from ground level, and Bardouille said the facility is "in dire need of communication equipment lost during the hurricane."

"We are at the moment operating with handheld radios and a base radio donated for use by friends within the aviation community."