EU supports water projects in Dominica

The Government of Dominica and the European Union (EU) recently signed an agreement to develop the island’s water sector.

The agreement was signed under the 10th EDF Multi-Sector Support Programme.

EU National authorizing Officer Carleen Roberts said a water supply project in Vielle Case will be undertaken under this EU assistance package.

“The European Union has committed funds for investment under the 10th EDF Multi- sector support programme to support Government’s social infrastructure. Under the 2012-2013 budget you will see approval given for investment in the Vielle Case water supply system,” she said.

Roberts is expecting that the funds for that project will be disbursed by the end of this year. “The funds have not been received yet but we hope upon fulfilment of our conditions that the first tranche will be released by December 2013,” she pointed out.

The EU is also providing support for the ongoing West Coast Water Supply project and Roberts reported that the organization is satisfied that work on the project is progressing satisfactorily.

“The European Union has indicated that they are satisfied with our progress so far on the West coast water supply project. If they weren’t they wouldn’t have committed to funding even more water projects in Dominica. For sure Salisbury to Capuchin will see an improved water supply system as well as other areas which are targeted under the 10th EDF general budget support programme,” Roberts noted.

Assistance from the EU and the European Commission (EC) under the 10th EDF will concentrate on general budget support for the government to help with the implementation of its policies and strategies aimed at achieving sustained growth and poverty reduction.

Total allocation (2008-2013) foreseen for Dominica under the 10th EDF to address these priorities is €7.5 million.