Hillsborough Bridge in Dominica now open to vehicular traffic

The Hillsborough Bridge in Layou, Dominica, is completed and now open to vehicular traffic. Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit toured the parts of the St Joseph Constituency on Friday, February 25, 2022, and stated that the final construction works of the bridge had been finished.

Parliamentary Representative Dr Adis King, Minister for Public Works and the Digital Economy, Senator Cassanni Laville and Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment Kent Edwards accompanied the prime minister.

While applauding the contractors of the project for their work, PM Skerrit said, "I commend the contractors, Offshore Civil and Marine Inc, a local firm, for competent work on the project".

Hillsborough Bridge is the primary route that connects the North of the island to the city. The re-construction of the bridge was started in May 2020 as it was destroyed by Hurricane Maria 2017.

The total cost of the project counted around $8.9 million, and it is the symbol of government efforts to build resilience and keep citizens safe, underscored PM Skerrit.

He further outlined the new projects of the government and asserted that work is progressing rapidly on the 3.8 km Layou Valley Road project, stretching from the Hillsborough Bridge to the Yorke Valley Bridge, which will improve access for farmers and commuters alike.



The Layou Valley Road Project is funded through a loan facility with the Caribbean Development Bank - CDB, worth $11 million, Dominica PM noted.

"I looked at the proposed site for a new Health and Wellness Center in St. Joseph. Construction is due to begin later this year, "PM Skerrit informed.

He also stressed that the government would rehabilitate the St Joseph basketball court and assist residents of Layou in developing the beachfront as an area for economic activity.

Various projects including youth skills training programme is underway in St. Joseph, which would facilitate the youth to enhance their skills in different fields, the prime minister further informed.

PM Skerrit highlighted, "The government will also expand a youth skills training programme which is underway in the area. Five young men are currently engaged in the stonework to construct a retaining wall near the recently commissioned Layou Emergency Center".

While commending the government of Dominica, one of the citizens named Jaime Familia Frias commented, "I would, however, as a Big supporter of the Dominica Labour Party like to see among other things a more significant investment in the Private Sector, by way of financial subsidy, particularly to business like mine, that never got any form of help since after the effects of Maria".