Airport road project gets more cash

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit shakes hand with French Ambassador to the OECS Michel Prom after the signing ceremony on Friday

An additional $12.6 million dollars is being pumped into the airport road project from the Melville Hall Airport to Pond Casse, to help complete that Lot 2 Project.

Finance Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and French Ambassador to the OECS Michel Prom today (Friday, June 22)  signed an agreement for a loan of that amount from the Agence Francaise de Developement (AFD).

The funds are said to be mainly for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the bridges along that route.

Prime Minister Skerrit said at the signing ceremony that he hoped the additional funding responds to some of the criticisms that have been directed at the road project.

He said the government was fully committed to completing the project.

“Just as we have delivered on Lot 1 – Canefield to Pond Casse, the West Coast Road, the Grandbay to Loubiere Road and so many others, we will deliver on this project,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the project had coughed up many challenges.

“There is a case to be made for strengthening project management generally within the government system,” Prime Minister Skerrit acknowledged in speaking about the road project.

“This phase of the project is expected to include the construction and replacement of existing bridges on the Pond Casse to Melville Hall Road, and the solution that may be proposed for addressing the land slippage at Antrim,” he said.

PM Skerrit also referred to “aspects of the works done as part of the ongoing phase which were not anticipated and which will be funded with the resources from this loan”.

French Ambassador Prom said the work already done on the project was “encouraging”.

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50 Comments

  1. John
    March 22, 2014

    Why is the Prime Minister also the finance minister? It is like walking into a town and finding out that the Judge is also the Chief of Police, the local barber, the butcher, the head of the bank, and also the doctor. These positions should be separate to prevent corruption, where is all the money really going?

  2. ROSEAU VALLEY
    June 24, 2012

    It is generally known and pretty much accepted that such a major road construction project will experience unexpected delays, costs overruns, implementation snags and cough up many operational challenges- irrespective of the nature and extent of the planning. This is particularly true where the construction and/or replacement of bridges, tunnels, over-pass, drainage etc are required or where the Contractor must deal with unknown factors such as weather, breakdown of machinery, illness or the need for diverting allotted funds due to exigencies.
    According to the PM, the injection of additional funds should be seen as a response to some of the criticisms about the project. However, as many have observed, the construction of bridges may actually have very little to do with the justifiable criticisms leveled at the project and once again the PM’s statement may be a distortion of reality. Having said this, it was interesting to note a faint acknowledgment of the need for improved or strengthening of project management generally (and if I may add -transparency and accountability) within and by the government
    It remains of concern, however, that while we promote Dominica as the nature Isle of the Caribbean, the implementation of such construction projects continue to encourage unsustainable and environmental unfriendly practices such the ongoing destruction of our rivers in the name of development. It is hoped that such projects are always implemented in accordance with an environmental impact study/plan.

    It is also interesting that when it comes to be bearer of “good news” such as the injection of funds into a major project, the successful completion of a project or shaking of hands with an ambassador, it is the PM who is seen showing his dimples on camera- not even Blackmore in seen in the picture. However, when it comes to news about an unplanned, erratic- but practical decision to invest in LIAT or actions of ALBA etc., which are of direct consequence to the conduct of the PM, it is a foreign news reporter or a surrogates like Tony and others who break the news. But according to Tony- to hell with who does not like it- he has the authority to speak on behalf of the government, the Labour Party, any Minister of gov’t or the PM on any matter and at any time, so who doesn’t like it –too bad!

  3. wa-a
    June 23, 2012

    The problem I have in this scenario is the destruction of Pegoua river.We cannot afford to turn
    our major river beds into labou by digging up the river stones for road construction just because some
    contractor want to cut corners(pun intended)and not employ truckers to haul tarrish from Pont Casse.We must be vigilant about ecological destruction if we want to be nature island.Layou River,Melville Hall River,Pegoua River,Antrim Valley…pwan gad.

  4. 4Eva Tru
    June 22, 2012

    what the hell is wrong in taking a load. dont you all take loan to build houses, buy cars. Dont you all give all your money to fast cash? so waht f the govnt take a loan. what if they dont want to tap in from what they have. would u take all your savings to do something and dont have nothin for the next day?. ok then the govnt is doing the same thing. America owe china 1.16 trillion and america dont even know how they going to pay back china. you all need to get with the program

    • crap
      June 23, 2012

      fool not after the contractor failed us with extra costs. the said contractor should be held liable.A CONTRACT IS A CONTRACT !!

  5. dissident
    June 22, 2012

    The criticisms leveled at the project currently has nothing to do with bridges. As a matter of fact we the people were under de impression that the 74 million included the bridges. I suppose u may want to source more funds to straighten out Gleau Gommier. Go make a secret deal and tell us about it later.
    By the way, Lot 1 has not been completely delivered. Dr. Yankee must be spinning in his grave. What about de disaster waiting to happen at Antrim. I know u gave notice and designed evacuation procedures for the school at Massacre and the people in de Warehouse area. Are de scientists done with their monitoring and experimenting? So what’s de final answer there? Be HONEST? How can u say that the extrs funds now being pumped into Lot 2 will also look at taking care of Antrim on Lot 1? Honesty Please.
    U want to say that project management in the government service needs to be strengthened but u not admitting where and how u failed on this project and perhaps others. Be HONEST.

    What hurts is that from January, 6 months before project completion, ur engineers and the CTO should have seen that the contractor would not meet his obligations on this project with specific regard to completion. 2 months before project completion the project slows down to a point where the workers on the project stay a whole month without pay, with full knowledge of the Ministry of Public Works. No talk of who breached the contract, no talk of penalties to the contractors but u worried about criticisms levelled at the government? U passin ur criticism on de truckers?

    Who paying de price for this state of affairs we now in? Hard working Dominican tradesmen on de project. These are a rough sample of de people that VOTE when election comes around. Is there a Parl. Rep. Out there who waiting for workers on Gardahkan project (Lot 1) to vote for dem? Think hard and long because u KNOW u will lose some.

    • winston warrington
      June 23, 2012

      PLease enlighten me; I am a civil engineer and have worked in Dominica for 5 years and the US for many more. Scheduling of road construction is not an exact science; instead, all projections for job completion are subject to weather conditions and other “acts of providence”.
      I am not defending government or contractor; but we must acquaint ourselves with the sacred cows of construction contracts. Somewhere buried in every construction contract is the additional cost for unforeseen site conditions which works to the benefit of the contractor as additional cost and time extension. So without knowledge of these facts, we can’t just fall back to Dominican style faulting and accusing without evidence.

      • Mac Vibes
        June 23, 2012

        But surely as a civil engineer task to redevelop the road system, you would have known from the outset that the bridges needed doing and cost that into the project.
        How can it be this is only being noticed now, weeks before the original finish date.

  6. real talk
    June 22, 2012

    the other day Dominicans were making noise bcuz skerro invest in liat but now i want to hear what they will say about that! do we have to be so greedy! God loves a cheerful giver. the more we give the more we receive! and look we receiving ..

  7. jump
    June 22, 2012

    from one lie to the mext. Borrow borrow and more sorrow. We owing everybody. Its so funny that the only way they hook to repay these loans is through takes. Goods luck people.No one and nothing last forever.

    • Correction
      June 22, 2012

      Taxes is not the only way boss, we are in the process of selling geothermal energy to Domlec, Guadeloupe and Martinique!!!

      We are bless so no matter what all you try it will back fire right back in all you face!!!!

  8. Morihei Ueshiba
    June 22, 2012

    Dominicans stop being ungrateful. Say what all u want about skerrit but he always finding money to help us.

    • June 22, 2012

      boy,boy,boy,you all wicked eh. An additional 12.6 million LOAN not GRANT on allyou backs and allyou think all is well. What you expect. more taxes to pay off those additional loans, to squeeze the little blood that remain in allyou dominicans. boy it really hurts me. I don’t know what to think again. Lord when will they see the light!! Everything Skerro do is ok. Alas….

      • Correction
        June 22, 2012

        What is the terms and conditions of the loan? When are we going to start repaying?

        You just belching smelling air into the atmosphere with no clue of the arrangement of this concessionery loan…

        Eddiot!!!

      • Peeping Tom
        June 22, 2012

        SMH! If the money were a grant, you would say we are mere beggars. Now, it is our money investing. OUR money in OUR development but you also complain about this.

        It is clear, the opposition (note the lower case «o») has one aim: Destabilization. No interest in actually developing Dominica! The thing is, Dominicans have read you all very well and will continue to vote the DLP. And that, woy woy, is the fact that is killing you all.

    • ideal
      June 23, 2012

      but at what cost and who is going to pay back all these loans soon we will be owing every island, country, state, republic everybody. our children grandchilren and even great and great great grand will be paying, when we all gone, this is like a ponze scheme, wake up Dominicans..please

  9. Anonymous
    June 22, 2012

    To the Critiques i guess even if you all see the cheque being delivered it is still a lie right?

    Sack Sorts ki zor yeih!!!!

    This Eddiot Disease has taken over the brains of the UWP supporters, sad but true!!!

    • Black Nobility
      June 22, 2012

      It’s not about UWP, or any other party it’s about simple math- Borrow with out a means to repay you idiot.

    • Met Yo
      June 22, 2012

      what that one talking about nuh 8-O

      why these people so crazy nuh :-?

    • Nac Vibes
      June 22, 2012

      The funny thing about development is someone has to pay for it and unless Dominica has suddenly found the end of the rainbow, it troubles me for the future and I’d rather have Eddiot brains that for brains.
      How do you explain that is a few days before the project finish that we are borrowing 12million to finish road. Surely all this was costed into the 74 million and if not what would have happened if the contractor had finished the road on time, would they then start on the bridges.
      In an earlier news brief, blackmore (note the lower case <>) said with the two new contractors now on the project, that the work will be completed between August and October this year, well correct me if I’m wrong but I’m sure there are more than two bridges between Melville Hall and Pont Casse, could this loan be to soften the loss of 8 million to an enterprise that will probably go bust anyway.
      You people are a joke, every time some one ask a question of the governance of the country they are labeled as every kind of low life as if Dominica belongs only to the dlp. Why shouldn’t we ask questions of our government, last time I checked they work for us.

  10. UDOHREADYET
    June 22, 2012

    THANK GOODNESS!! Traveling from the airport and back to and from my vacation in DA is for lack of a better a term ‘a rough and long ride’ I can’t wait for this road project to be completed. I’m sure the tourists visiting Dominica would be just as appreciative especially during Creole Festival!

    • AA
      June 22, 2012

      As for Eddison Chenfill James!! he is always traversing that route but never saw it fit as Pm to do something about it, now it is being done he crying it down, i waiting for him!!!!!

      Great job those with tunnel vision will soon catch up!!!!

  11. Bishop malkaka
    June 22, 2012

    Zort look lies. Sovwhile blackmoore prancing on kadakan Skerrit beging the french to rescue the project financially. It is obvious kadakan is right. Hold on truck drivers your money is coming soon. Boy look lies you hear lies. Bishop malkaka say if you tell a bunch of lies laborites so dumb they cyan even tell the difference between truth and lies.

    • I and I
      June 22, 2012

      Your name speaks for itself…MALKAKA!!!!

    • Peeping Tom
      June 22, 2012

      Lol!

  12. Jacky Chan
    June 22, 2012

    Sometimes it takes a lifetime for the truth to resurface with this administration it takes minutes sometimes hours or days for the truth to show up. Now they are admitting that there is management problems. So management problems is costing tax payers 12 million and the people must say it is ok. In a civilized society heads would would be on the chopping board. Clean up shop from the top. A project of that magnitude did not have an operating QA system and management operation. Who was signing off on the schedule of values ? Did kadakkan have a blank check?
    We need an explanation not just Blackmoore saying one thing and Skerrit contradicting. We desrve more accountability. Although i am not totally oppose to the LIAT investment plan i do understand the distrust and lack of faith in those who administer our national affairs.
    I suspect that the contractor change order claims toinclude unforseen site conditions and the owner and representatives played hard ball. This is why the pm was out desperately trying to secure a loan. Change orders are not unusual but what is alarming is the total mishandling of the issue; the lies; arrogance and constant refusal to acknowledge their failures tell the people the truth and move on. It is no surprise that after all these years in positio of leadership i see no sign of growth among the leaders. Their management and public relations skills are despicable.

  13. MIB
    June 22, 2012

    Loans to build road is not a great investment. Loans should be use to do project that actually generate real returns, like factories and construction plants.

    • DP
      June 22, 2012

      Great point. MIB for PM.

    • Just Adding
      June 22, 2012

      @MIB the returns is indirect. Infrastrutural like roads and bridges and tel and techological investments will generate real returns. she beyound your shadow @MIB

      • Just Adding
        June 22, 2012

        MIB I meant see and not ‘she’

  14. Doc. Love
    June 22, 2012

    I am fully convienced that the Skerrit Labor Party Government eats, drinks, sleeps confrontation.We have not even got over that the $8,000,000 Liat fiasco,Skerrit has thrown another daybar at us. Government is giving away money on one hand and on the other,they are borrowing money, what a Government. Subject to correction, didnt’t the Government tell us that the French was funding the whole project.Resently, during the the problems with Gannarkan and the truckers, new sub-contractors were employed to complete the road, no mention was made about any loan.According to Mr. Edison James that Government doesn’t plan,everything is done vie-te-vie.Didn’t they know before today that the money they had received from the French was insufficient.

    • Anonymous
      June 22, 2012

      Doc mah boy! What you though was love potion was really a love lotion. You were supposed to RUB it in, not DRINK it in!! That is what is causing your intellectual dyslexia :lol:

    • Peeping Tom
      June 23, 2012

      Doc. Lov: «Government is giving away money on one hand and on the other,they are borrowing money, what a Government.»

      Which government in the world does otherwise? Do some research on Google.com and see what you come up with, if you are really that confused.

      Doc. Love: «Subject to correction, didnt’t the Government tell us that the French was funding the whole project.» No partner-funded project is ever fully and totally paid by the sponsoring agency. The receiving state always bears some costs. Sometimes, this cost is formalized, as in a specific percentage of the final project cost. Sometimes, it is reflected in basic start up costs, e.g concessions to the sponsors and/or implementing agency to import their equipment and materials or the clearing and preparation of the site.

  15. Just noting
    June 22, 2012

    Glad to hear this news as this is a very important road and what has been done in the Concorde Valley already is very promising and looks good.

    But DNO it is PONT Casse. It is named after a broken bridge. Bridge in French is PONT.

  16. FACTS
    June 22, 2012

    Thanks PM, don’t be side tracked by haterzzzz. Labour is the Government for Dominica. Stick to your promise, the 8 million is a good investment that will bring returns to Dominica Miliions fold.

    Dominicans don’t read, they just chat

  17. kevin
    June 22, 2012

    taking loan to finish the road but giving liat millions.

    • Just Saying
      June 22, 2012

      The are both good investments.

  18. the word
    June 22, 2012

    Who Jah Bless No Man Curse. Thanks Skerrit. You’re a great leader. You have the people of Dominica interest at heart. We will continue to pray for your guidance and protection.

    Only you can do such a great job. LABOUR POWER. Remember ppl it was the Dominica Labour Party who did such great job in the development of country and people.

    • 1979
      June 22, 2012

      While I am satisfied that this is something worth the money being spent on it…..i beg to ask how has the DLP developed the people?????? Has he put our engineers to work??? Doctors????? or any other profession???? even these we import so enlighten me if you may…

      No bash intended….

      • Correction
        June 22, 2012

        Zey zey, so all the engineers from Dca working in Min of Public works where they from? The road engineers supervising the road works where they from? Go to the hospital and tell me where the majority of the Doctors from!

        In any case ” No one holds a job for you” so as professionals they do not need to rely on government for projects they are capable of getting that themselves..
        You myopic level of thinking is so amazing it is not funny, go ask obama how many professionals he put to work A…. h

      • Peeping Tom
        June 22, 2012

        Lol, 1979!
        :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • ideal
      June 23, 2012

      you will have to pray harder because Dominica is going nowhere, just owing money here and there and everywhere, whats going to happen when all those lenders come calling for their there money will we see ” LABOUR POWER” at work? or what will you poor people do bear in mind they the lenders will be our new master.. no one knows whats in all these papers being signed by our PM..slavery again?

  19. people voice
    June 22, 2012

    wey papa so the 8 mil couldnt go towards the road first and then if they wanted more they could take a loan for the remainder? who giving my pm advise nuh

    • Met Yo
      June 22, 2012

      who advising? it don’t matter…18 seats allu give him you know…forget man?

      • Peeping Tom
        June 23, 2012

        It seems like YOU have forgotten, Met Yo. Get with the program and stop belly-aching like a spoilt little boy/girl. The sooner you do, the less stress you will have and the easier it will be for you to enjoy the fruits of our labour (pun intended).

    • My2Sense
      June 22, 2012

      The road project is funded in part by the AFD in the first place.

  20. wing
    June 22, 2012

    hmmm oh my money…oh well we can all see it had a money prob well just say dat nor…

  21. Questionnaire
    June 22, 2012

    I look forward to the nay sayers and their lamentations over what is the Fench agenda for giving Dominica such a large loan at I suppose concessionary repayment rates.

  22. Graduate
    June 22, 2012

    why take a loan when we have 8 million somewhere…..

    • Peeping Tom
      June 22, 2012

      Good point, Graduate. And, while we are in the playing-dumb-school, why don’t we just use the available 8 million to buy our own planes and maintain our own pilots and airlines? Surely, this would be a great idea!

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