PM Roosevelt Skerrit takes stock of Roseau River Defence project

The substantial work of Roseau River Defence project is near completion as it is said to be given a final touch in September of this year. The construction of the wall around the river will provide safety to the capital city of Dominica, Roseau.

While taking stock of construction work underway, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said “Under the riverbank project, substantial work is taking place in the particular city and we have taken the construction of defensive river walls in phased basis. One can appreciate the importance of these river walls in safety of life and property”

He added that they have a beauty of the river in their city, yet it also comes up with certain risks and they are trying to get off with all the risks, where flooding is concerned.

“In addition to river walls, we are creating riverside promenade to enhance and improve the statistically appealing shops and bars so people could vend from these facilities. The promenade will provide public to enjoy the flow of the river or even families can come by to enjoy the riverside evenings as beautiful lights will be installed.” He added.

Prime Minister while talking about the announcements of the past, he said that objective is to transform Roseau into the modern and climate-resilient city. “This process started back after hurricane Erika, when we announced the nation we would be building back better and enhance the city with new sidewalks, new drainage, that too covered, so there would be no risk of falling into the gutters, levelled off as well for easier access to people with disabilities.”

Skerrit mentioned that the project will be completed in September of 2019, and said that people will appreciate what will rest of the city look alike if we are allowed to implement the comprehensive projects, that will enhance the value of the property and, uplift commerce and business. “The project will include the extension of the wall up on River Street, River Bank area to ensure we have complete safety on both sides of the city.”

“In addition to Roseau enhancement, we intend to construct housing units alongside the riverbank area and working on additional accusations to government lands and also these houses will have commercial spaces on the ground floor which will allow local public for make vends to get some extra income” he added

Another aspect PM enlightened was DOWASCO sewerage system, which is also underway construction for up-gradation to enhance the management of the solid waste in the city.

While talking about the project, Minister for Public Works Dr Colin Mclntyre said “We are blessed with the fresh river and clean water but it also challenges when it rains because there are ports down in Roseau, so we thought it was very important to build river wall defences. We are working very hard to make Roseau a modern and climate-resilient city.”

Wife of Prime Minister and Dominica Labour Party candidate for Roseau Central Melissa Poponne-Skerrit said “River promenade was discussed for a while, and to see it finally flourishing gets me very excited, it perfectly complements the Roseau enhancement project which has been ongoing. This will also enhance the Roseau central city, so I am really happy as it will create a modern look and people will appreciate this.”