The $100-million West Coast Road Project is progressing smoothly with some areas of the project currently 100 percent complete and most others at an advanced stage of construction, according to Manager for China Railway 17 Bureau Company Ltd (CR17) Jing Hao.
Hao and other officials from the company led members of the media on a site tour of the project Friday, stopping at some of the particularly pivotal sections of the Portsmouth to Roseau road, currently undergoing repair and upgrade.
Stops included the Hanover Street to Elliot Avenue Bridge, the section of works at Tarreau, the sea defense wall and road construction in Coulibistrie, the current excavation works being carried out under the Canefield Cliff and the fully completed box culvert at Picard.
Canefield Cliff
Hao spoke of the works under the Canefield Cliff and said that the western section of the road, which now accommodates traffic exclusively, has been completely rebuilt and the eastern section is in the excavation stage and will be reconstructed completely.
“The eastern side and western sides will be on the same level when the works are completed. There will also be signage and road markings, but no lights. We have subcontracted to DipCon and we are very satisfied with their performance so far,” he said.
He also noted that the three-lane arrangement previously billed by the Government has been abandoned and instead the design now includes sidewalk and a temporary parking lane, at the request of the Ministry of Public Works.
Hao projects that work on that section will be completed in the next two to three months, making allowances for possible adverse weather conditions that may hinder or halt work at any time and considering that traffic will be free-flowing the entire time.
“We have contacted the local traffic department and we have hired locals to direct the traffic as well as we have taken the advice of the Ministry of Public Works, who have helped a lot. We are advising the motorists to drive a bit slower because there have been times when some have been driving too fast,” Hao mentioned.
Picard
The Project Manager also reports that the box culvert in Picard that replaces a section of the road damaged due to poor drainage is 100 percent completed.
Hao outlined some of the features of the new section of the road which provides a smoother transition compared to the previous arrangement which included a diversion away from the main road for a few hundred meters. The current structure and road surface restores the original alignment of the road with some added features.
“This box culvert has been completed 100 percent. If we have to compare between what was there before and now, the transition is much smoother. This culvert has three main features. The barriers are for the safety aspect. They will prevent drivers from going over the culvert if the drivers lose control. We have to add reflective paint to the barriers so that drivers may be able to see it much more clearly. The culvert will also facilitate drainage and it is very pleasant to look at with the flowers and plants that we have grown to the sides, so in the event of heavy, torrential rains, it will not erode. The edges are not going to remain like this. We are also going to do some additional works to the surface on both sides of the road,” Hao reported.
He also took the opportunity to address some of the statements made about the construction methods used on the bridge, making specific mention of an article in one of the newspapers from March this year.
“The picture at the time did not speak to the full idea of what the company wanted to achieve but after the article I was concerned and immediately dispatched some of our workers to do the work that we can see now. I hope that [all] are satisfied with the result. We thank the public for any constructive criticism and we welcome any constructive criticism and we will implement anything that we see fit. If any engineers have any input, we are happy to sit and speak about it and look at any improvements that can be made, once the Ministry approves,” he affirmed.
Making mention of references to doubt about the structural integrity of the road that has been built so far, Hao remarked, “With collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, on May 20, we did various tests at different points to ensure that the road was stable and we were satisfied with the result. We understand that the public will have questions about the foundation of the road, but with collaboration from Ministry of Public Works, we have made sure that we are going to provide a road surface and base that is of international standard.”
Coulibistrie
Another crucial area of the West Coast Road Project is also at a late stage of development and Hao reports that the final stage of that section should be completed shortly.
He stated, “This is the second seawall defense and it is 400 meters long. We’ve completed about 80% of it and final construction will be completed in the beginning of September. The road surface will also be new. The entire surface will be dug out and a new layer of asphalt will be applied. As soon as we are done with the construction of the sea wall, then construction will begin on the road.”
Hao continued, “A few thousand tones of big boulders will be added beyond the wall in order that it and the road are further protected from the sea. This is the last bit of construction that needs to be done [in this area]. When that is done all that will be left to be completed is the asphalting of the road surface.”
This section of the project is done completely and directly by CR17 and when asked whether there were locals employed on this section, Hao responded, “We have employed quite a few local laborers.”
I do not think Skerit is stealing elections by the way. A party will always stay in power when the economy seems to be doing well. Everyone in the economy might not be affected the same way while other parts are booming others are not. You vote where your bread is buttered. If your sector of the economy is doing well more than likely you will want to keep the present party. However, if a small sector is doing well and the majority is not faring as well, you will see a change in power. Until the balance change current leadership will remain.
Dominica has seen its employment rate drop from the twenties to the mid-teens (15%) that is an impressive number for a developing country.
Moreover, we need to stop saving money and invest it into other services that are missing in our economy and create jobs. Government can’t do it all. We are the private sector and the government is not the answer to all. We need parking in Roseau, why doesn’t someone build a parking facility and create jobs in that manner and make more money when you see a void.
Well, for all those who hate Skerit we needs to give jack his jacket and give Jill her skirt.
If the UWP had brought down employment and had several major capital projects during their administration. The powers would have not been shifted.
Why do you think the freedom party lost in 1995? Well, the banana industry which was the main for the lives of many people was starting to decline due to pressures from the United States and Latin America. If President Clinton did not come into power and did not get into bed with Chiquita Banana and Dole maybe the Freedom party would be in power to this day with.
Banans still being a booming sector.
i travel on this road everyday and i must say we have accepted a 1980 road in 2011..
yes shallow minded people start bashing
1) there is water sipping beneath the asphalt in point round in about three places
how do we know that the chinese spent 100 million on the road when they brought in non road builders(prisoners) who were doing a terrible job, with all their equipment
2) the minister said the original road was decay, but you build a new surface over a decayed road.
3)cliff not shelved in tarreau, canefield
4) no steel in the sea walls
5)no drains from and concret road edging like what gardakan did in springfield
6) poor road surface, road is very bumpy.
7) a large road in tarreau just to run into a bottle neck on the bridge
9) no jobs for our truck drivers and skilled workers
10) use of a foreign company(dipcon) instead of our public works who would do a better job(proof, springfield road)gardakan sub contract public works
11) with the purchase of a 2 million dollar asphalt plant, public works was denied the job of producing asphalt and the job was given to gardakan(under de table money)
12) the excavator de minister have working with dowasco and other government projects(conflict of interest)
13) no one knows except one man, what do we have to pay to china for this 300 million grant.
14)all the engineers in dominica moomoo, or i guess dey a afraid they might not get government jobs if they speakup, their silence is equivalent to treachery
15)asphalt is layed down in rainy conditions, i remember gardaken used to stop laying asphalt when it was raining in springfield.
THIS WHOLE PROJECT IS A JOKE
Yep your are right! We should have left the roads as is. We were much better off than we are now. I totally see your point.
I may not like all aspects of the road, but it is better than noting. Maybe the Americans should step in and do a better job. Oh wait they are too busy giving us money to fight drugs. That is what makes us look good money to fight drugs. People need food and shelter. Who wants to take drugs will always take it regardless.
Sometimes we have to give thanks when we are unable to do better ourselves. Free health care when we can’t pay for it. An ugly glasses beacause it was donated because you could not buy one on your own. yeah and hand me downs cause your could not go out and buy it yourself.
why do they build the walls with no steels and roads without drainage? is there something bout engineering that supports this?
Thank you to the Chinese for a great job
While we all recognise the need for a proper roadway from Roseau to Portsmouth, but the media did not ask the contractor and report on these matters (1) who are the consulting engineeners to supervise on behalf of the Government to ensre qualiy work, (2) why was pumice stone with cement used for the road shoulder, (3) how will the section of Mahaut and Massacre, (4) section of the road at Leaper Home, (5) drain along the road, (6) whill there be gaurds ralls at damgerious section of the rad, (7) and con go on and on.
Excellent progress reports and great work by the contractors! Is there enough money for a bicycle or pedestrian lane on the eastern side of the highway under the Canefield Cliff’s?
One other roadway Government should seriously consider building is a Newtown bypass.
Great job my Chinese brothers and great pics DNO but wish there were more. I would also like to know the status of the Mahaut/Massacre Bypass. Any word on the final resolution?
Progress requires sacrifice and moving a few dozen Mahaut/Massacre residents in a small price to pay for infrastructural development. Frankly, I would have loved to see a 4-lane highway (with signage) and the proper on and exit ramps.
Finally for tourism development there should be “look-out” points in strategic so people can stop and enjoy nature.
what about mahaut? i really dont want to be passin through those small little lanes. its a disgrace to Dominicas national highway.
@ MOUTH!
PATRIOTS WILL SEE THROUGH THE DISGUISE
PATRIOTS SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE AND THE LONG TERM PLANS
PATRIOTS KNOW WHAT MAKES US DOMINICAN
PATRIOTS KNOW THAT SMOOTH ROADS DON’T MAKE US ‘DOMINICA’
BUT THE COST OF THE SMOOTH ROAD WILL TAKE THE DOMINICA AWAY FROM US!
In a few years the Chinese flag will be fling in downtown Roseau and Dominicans will be carrying Chinese passports and will be made to learn the Chinese language in High School. China is not doing all that just for the heck of it. Dominica is going to be their new province in the Caribbean.
Everyone says good road, but what about the shoulders of the road. Gadakan gives a complete project,The shoulders of his projects ace concreted to ensure that water does not sip under the asphalt and cause any erosion.The West Coast road is being completed in the same manner as the Grandbay Road. Diaappointing. Compare them to what Gadakan does, you’ll see the difference.
WE must congratulate the Government for such a great initiative . We were really inneed of such repairs and reconstruction of our poor road network.WHEN IT IS GOOD SAY IT IS GOOD AND DONOT BE UNGRATEFUL. THE NEXT BIG THING I WANT TO SEE IS THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
Looking good!
Every thing looks beautiful. The trees planted on the culvert in Picard looks gr8. The road is smooth… But, the bridge in Picard build too fast. serious thing! I’m afraid of it…. oda dan that, the rest of the project is gud!
Can someone update me on the Dominica Grammar School the chinese have been building for years now? Are all phases completed yet? Is the DGS ready to go in full swing?
AS I understand it the Chinese have provided the resources to build the school which started under a previous arrangement with Taiwan. The question is. If it were the Chinese building the school would we have difficulty with a completion date? Of, course it is Dominicans building it and what we get when we get it and how we get it is another question
I am waiting with baited breath for my next visit home. If I do nothing else, I will drive on these newly constructed and upgraded roadways. I love the tree-planting at Picard next to the culvert. Words fail me for these upgrades. Simply wonderful!!!
100% complete is see… hmm that simply means no drains !!!!! or Im i speaking to early. We if i spoke wrong its after this article. We all know that roads in Dominica do not survive without drains. We have the highest level of rainfall in the windward islands for gods sake and besides drains would enhance the beauty of the project …. a win win i would think!!!
Im very happy for the construction so far but i have to ask why would the ministry opt for a two lane road instead of three or four in this modern day and instead use it for a side walk. We all saw what happened in the other section of the road from woodbridge bay to portersville. The level of traffic in DA is increasing so one has to ask why two lanes and not three or four. Please someone need to show me the logic behind it!!! Anyways the drive to Roseau has improved so for that we are indeed grateful but still good sense must prevail bondey!!!
I am in total agreement with the part about four lanes. Government should consider it especially as this would be considered as our main highway in Dominica. Of course, I realise that cost may be an issue but given the volume of traffic in Dominica right now, which by the way, is steadily growing, we may soon need to revisit this issue. And, of course, the Mahaut / Massacre section of the road issue, I’m betting that many Dominicans are waiting anxiously to see what is going to happen in that section of the road.
Mahaut residents who are close to the road must be relocated. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances are unable to quickly drive through this area when needed.
Fabulous reporting DNO! This is great. Very detailed and informative, not to mention a fantastic bit of PR. Wish all major government projects would incorporate this type of PR as routine communication.
true dat since some folks are out of state these pics help.
all i can say is wow wow look at road enjoy it dominica and one advice DO NOT SPEED TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN DRIVING AND LOOK OUT FOR THE ORTHER DRIVER.
It helps enormously when the public is kept informed and there is proper dialogue. Thank you mr. Hao and mr. Blackmoore. I must express concern, however, about the idea for a “parking lane” under the the Canefield cliffs. I have a suspicion that his would be for the benefit of the trucking fraternity so that they can continue parking their ugly trailers and containers there, as before, with blatant disregard for the law. If so, this would not only be an eyesore but constitue a safety hazard, especially with and increase in traffic speed that the new road will bring. I hope my fears are unfounded.
DNO i think you guys could do better than 3 measley pictures.
ADMIN: SMH
ADMIN…I hope you will permit me to add this: SMDH
ADMIN: Once we put up some photos of a government project someone accused us of acting like the government’s PR by posting to many. Now we posted just three photos, someone else is complaining. SMH….You just cannot satisfy people.
you really have to SMH @ some people
Yes;
this is a decent chinese. The way he relates is what Gadakan and his group should have been all along.
By the way, are we hearing of any assistance given to our children by Gadakan? They are here longer than the Chinese?
Keep up the good work guys. At the end of the day, whatever is the finished product is it’s ours to enjoy, protect and maintain. Drivers please be careful. We will soon be able to have a smooth and comfortable journey from Portsmouth to Roseau and back.
I must say this guy is very informative… thanks for the update Jing Hao. And it commendable that he is one of the only foreign contractors giving the public updates. Good public relations….u gotta give dues where they are earned. as a side note. did you hear the news about the Japanese Prime minister Inviting the Opposition into formulating national policies to move japan forward from the disaster??….. man THIS IS one of the worlds largest economies. AND THEY STILL MANAGE TO GET ALONG WITH EACH OTHER. MAYBE WE NEED TO REALLY NEED TO REMEMBER DAVID TO REMEMBER HOW TO DO THAT…… WOW!!!
If the Opposition in Dominica would only grow some balls and go to parliament…then maybe such approach could take place.
But in a small economy, 1979 is happy to be doling out his tax dollars to help pay the disgruntled opposition memebers.
I wonder why 1979 chose such a screen name???SMFH
So that idiots like you won’t victimize him.
Do names matter?
Ever heard the one about “Too may cooks spoiling the broth?”. A country of less than 70,000 with 21 M.P.’s. No wonder we can’t get the receipe right and must be the laughing stock of the world!
Quote me if u please, “do not mistakenly perceive me as one of ur co-associated simpleton party fraternal brothers. This is my choosen domain and voice though admins blogoshpere. Not any simple Simon radio caller…so u are mistaken there. If u are searching for facts about 1979 there u go. Figure me out…. and rest assured that I represent no other colour than the BLACK skin we all wear” this is an excerpt from one of my many comments stating my position in regard to you and so many others OBSESSION with your respective parties. if your wish to present a challenging rebuttal or comment, inform yourself before you go jumping in head first…this way your comment will be in context to mine….JACK.
1979, we all know where you stand and I sorry it is not a comforting and pleasant place to be. So you will be ever trolling DNO to look for negativity. Oh yeah, your fraternal brothers of Q95, Lennox and the Angelo’s of the HATRED CLIQUE will never want to see the good for Dominica.
And you know very well, why you selected a screen name of 1979…not because I want to know who the little weasel 1979 is…not at all.
But you selected 1979, because it represent the Coups, the Hrricane David, the Black spot of our short history (you and your fraternity are even selling video of 1979).
So don’t be scared to embrace what you want to sow here.
But 1979, we are much better than you and your little handful.
Now SHUT THE DOOR
I wonder how corrupt is THE JAPANESE GOVENMENT? HHHHMMM
good project i must say… the 3 lane must be abandoned cause it made no sense in our area… this would cause tragedies… now this is what the people in the diaspora see and the say ‘oh d/ca developing so the dimpled p.m must be doing a good job’…. but yet our brothers and sisters are still suffering… don’t have jobs… no money is coming into the economy… we don’t produce any goods…. i always wonder since we have the venezuelans and chinese do so many projects… why don’t we let them build up couple manufacturing plants for agricultural products… we could produce our own juices and other food products… this would be gov’t run… i mean there are things the gov’t can manage.. not private sector only… then fishermen and farmers would benefit… this would put money in the hands of more families… it is initiatives like these the gov’t should look at…. wasn’t there a Domfruit company owned by Money God… it seems we lack entrepreneur spirit in d.a…. i don’t have the money but almighty knows what i’d do eh
great read!!! I enjoy reading constructive comments like these…
though a bit ill timed. MOTS does have some valid points in his comment, be fair!
This road under canefield cliff is very not what is expected.I not to sure of the cross fall on this road since the first portion they surface is so flat and bumpy.The culverts that are being placed needs a inspection chamber covered with slabs halfway because if this blocks it will be very difficult to clear .I really don’t know why our technical guys are not seeing that.This road is just too bumpy for a newly constructed road.
mots not once u could just say good job and move on, even 1979 jus said good job u have to talk about the man dimples is a good thing the man dont like man seems like u would be the 1st in line.
All that you have to say about a road, non of your tax dollars is contributing to???
But politics can make people pass like zeyzey
Just say the road work is coming on fine..thanks for Dominica..but he has to do hin Lennox Linton crap and take swipe at Roosevelt Skerrit
one ting some dominicans really ass eh allyu like freeness but as everyone knows nothing is for FREE. with the entrance of chinese into the retail sector with the backing of their government with soft loans so that local businesses cannot compete these chinese are set to make back more than the millions they are spending now not to mention more than 3/4 of the project money goes back to them. allyu better wake up eh dominicans d days of people shaking bebelle in your face an fooling u over!! time to use dominican creativity, intelligence, experience and dignity to take us somewhere instead of always being under someone skirt
Why dont you
Very good work by all involved. I have a few questions and maybe DNO can ask the company on behalf of its subscribers:
1. Mahaut/Massacre Bypass…what is the status
2. Drainage
3.why couldn’t we use used the pre-consrtucted heavy duty slabs to cut down on the lengthy corners we have (was that a cost issue or more of a structure of the soil)
Overall, I just want to say thank you for a job well done thus far. We appreciate the small gestures in life.
The Chinese never said there was going to be a Bypass… people assumed that this was the plan. I believe that all they are going to do is repave the road and that’s it. Sad but true.
yes ah…. red dragon taking over… see that finger… better start learning… chinese yao minggggggg!!!!
Dam arse
wow!!! thanks there’s geniuses like zandoli who don’t know how to ignore a dam arse…..
HA TRUE DAT ‘MOUTH’