First Bailey bridge to be constructed by Friday – PM

Construction on the bridge at Pointe Round
Construction on the bridge at Pointe Ronde

The locations for the construction of Bailey bridges on the island have been approved and the first one will be constructed at Pointe Ronde this Friday, according to Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

The country’s road infrastructure received a severe battering during the passage of Tropical Storm Erika with a number of bridges being washed away.

“We have approved the four locations for those bridges to be erected,” Skerrit said.

He stated the second bridge will be erected at Batalie on Tuesday, September 22 and the third at Macoucherie on Friday, September 25.

The final bridge has been approved for Boetica.

“So the three bridges on the West Coast that have been severely impacted upon will be up, all three will be up by Friday, the 25th of September 2015,” the Prime Minister said.

He pointed out that in respect to the Boetica crossing, more detailed survey works are required as the site is more challenging.

“Those of us who have been there can appreciate this and the engineering survey team of the Ministry have commenced the collection of the necessary data for advising designs,” he revealed. “The approach there is very difficult. We would have to construct a bypass road to be able to launch the bridge across the bypass so the survey are being done.”

Skerrit said engineers have been to the area on several occasions and there is a level on urgency on the matter.

“The Cabinet has given clear instructions that that area is urgent priority…” he said.

The Bailey bridges arrived in Dominica from St. Vincent last weekend.

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58 Comments

  1. Francisco Telemaque
    September 21, 2015

    Facts, I made no claim to be an expert on anything, what I do know is that, professionally, I am an electronic/electrical engineer. In addition to earning a couple degrees in both fields, I also have a degree in the liberal arts. A man who majored in the Liberal Arts, and earn a degree in that discipline, is a very dangerous man educationally! Plus, I majored in Health Science, and showed great proficiency. I did not take political science as a major, so I doubt I can give you and Skerrit any political advise.

    I leave that to Ralph Gonzalez; nevertheless, I doubt Skerrit would take advise from the one who gave birth to him never mind little old dog Francisco Telemaque oui!

    You can take my place and help physically eh!

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah! Ever heard of DAAS. Well, in that association was professionals, doctors, lawyers, and Dominicans of all sorts of professions people with PhD’s tried to advise Skerrit, Rosie, Douglas, And Charles, none of them…

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 21, 2015

      Ever heard of DAAS. Well, in that association was professionals, doctors, lawyers, and Dominicans of all sorts of professions people with PhD’s tried to advise Skerrit, Rosie Douglas, And Charles, none of them listened. Ralph Gonzalez advise was more important: you see what we have now?

      Since you and Skerrit seems to such good friends, and you are one of hi most loyal supporter in BS, you need to go home and help with the rebuilding process, and my I invite to take a certain person hiding in North York along with you both of you need some work to do oui!

      Anyway without been funny, many of us took interest in our country, only to be ignored by that Mountain Chicken Crapo Mentality, I doh calling him name today; but you know who!

  2. help the lady
    September 19, 2015

    that bellow is what is being built in dominica

    http://www.mabeybridge.com/modular-bridging/compact-bridging/

  3. September 18, 2015

    I would like to know if these folks are strangers or local constructors, I am just curious, Most countries every aftermath of a storm there are jobs for the people, I hope i hope it turn out to be the same for us, And i hope our government will be able turn things around, Money pouring so far for this government,I am very happy it tells me some Dominicans are doing something wonderful around the globe, Joyful tears ran from my eyes. I hope our government spent these funds wisely.

  4. September 18, 2015

    Fransisco you’re just a clown

    • The Real Facts
      September 19, 2015

      Francisco is more than a clown and a very bad critic. His criticisms are not constructive. Did you notice that he always criticizes and thinks he is more intelligent than others? He never has a kind word to state and of encouragement. He is full of crap and needs to learn respect and humility which are godly virtues.

  5. Francisco Telemaque
    September 17, 2015

    I am puzzled by what I am viewing. What type of business that road serve; is it a feeder road to a plantation, or is a main road to a village?

    If in the photograph is the structure of a bridge being fabricated that is a waste of time, unless it is to be utilized by pedestrian only. I doubt that could accommodate a truck between seven and eight feel wide. BEB, if that is one of the bridges you told me Ralph Gonzalez has made available to his majestic Mountain Chicken brain crapo Skerrit, I am not disappointed.

    The metal material looks like residue of left over steel from Argyle International Airport! That is not a bridge to serve any useful purpose except it might be intended for a hiking track!

    • Dominican
      September 18, 2015

      hahahahaha sot!

    • ljay
      September 18, 2015

      In the time it took you to embarrass yourself, while you were making your comment, you could have gone to google.com and type Bailey Bridge.

    • The Real Facts
      September 19, 2015

      We could call you Mountain Chicken brain crapaud, Telemaque for making such silly comments. You never have something good and encouragement to state. So what type of man are you?
      See about your business. California is burning. California expects a big one any time. Watch out for yourself
      If you think you know so much, why do you not go to Dominica to help? I bet when you arrive there it will be a ball of confusion anyway.
      Let me inform you further what a holy person stated: “Negativity and discouragement do not come from God.”
      Therefore, know where it came from, the enemy of God, of our souls including yours, the devil. Once and for all cease your ridiculous negativity and criticisms. They are not worth an ounce of sense. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  6. dominica new york
    September 17, 2015

    some of u all that leaveing with the bed buys and roaches will not playing politics one day time will tell

  7. NSJ
    September 17, 2015

    I cannot believe of all the issues that Dominica has right now people’s biggest concerns are that the LEADER of the country is the one making the reports. If he was saying nothing persons would be all into where he is and what he is doing. I think there is so much more to focus on than who speaks and who saying what, are things getting then if not get up and go do something. Complaining about whether the Minister of Works who I hope is somewhere making plans with the relevant departments as to how the bridges are actually being installed has spoken when I am sure that that all minsters are involved in the process of rebuilding in their respective areas is just a blatant disregard for more serious issues.

  8. help the lady
    September 17, 2015

    its not a bailey bridge people its called a logistic support bridge made by mabey johnson a bailey bridge is something completely different though i can see why the 2 are commonly mistaken

    • Dominican
      September 18, 2015

      ” temporary bridge of lattice steel designed for rapid assembly from prefabricated standard parts, used especially in military operations”
      @helpful lady that’s the explanation for a bailey bridge stop embarrassing yourself, its not a particular bridge but all bridges fitting that description.

    • Dominican
      September 18, 2015

      Show us one nah instead of embarrassing yourself. Research “bailey bridge then come back with the result.

    • Dominican
      September 18, 2015

      http://intergon.net/handson/
      if @helpful lady wants to be helpful she should read this and get educated instead of talking nonsense on DNO. Click the link and read on.

      • help the lady
        September 19, 2015

        been in the british army for over 9 years as a royal engineer that type of bridge is our bread and butter we train constantly in the rapid deployment of those bridge and i have built them in both iraq and afghanistan and i have also constructed bailey bridges and i can assure u that that bridge is a logistic support bridge ( compact 200 in civilian terms ) not a bailey bridge the 2 are completely different they look alike but no parts are interchangable between the 2 its people like u that dont know what your talkign about go online do a research dont know what you are lookign for or looking at then come and tell people to get educated when the person that you are talkign to actually kno alot more than you know and have experience in what they are talking about so hows that for being educated my dominican friend

  9. just thinking
    September 17, 2015

    how strong are these emergency bridges going to be?? will there be limit to what weight can cross over these bridges?

    • Dominican
      September 18, 2015

      They will be as strong as the one you passed on for years in Belfast next to DCP when the current bridge was being build so have no fear.

    • ljay
      September 18, 2015

      I was traumatized driving into the rivers to get to Portsmouth, so any type of elevated structure is welcomed. Please understand that they are erecting these bridges temporarily so that we have a safer way to travel while they reconstruct the lost bridges.

  10. Fatigue avec one man show-la
    September 17, 2015

    Skerrit said ,skerrit said, skerrit said adinfinitum Holy Onions!

  11. Ami
    September 17, 2015

    RAYB greetings, the PM is speaking, while u may be watching it this way that the PM is saying everything others maybe saying where is the PM in all this, so is like you cant please everybody. But in respect to the finances the money dont come exactly to the PM. If you have been following the red cross have been involved in alot of the distribution of funds coming directly and indirectly to them. May be you should just run a little private inv. please dont assume, in all this the God above is speaking to us. Skerrit is only 1 man 1 man today he could be there and tomorrow he gone, so lets all put in a collective effort in rebuilding. We need more love in our hearts.

  12. I see u.
    September 17, 2015

    Good observation RayB and thanks for your bravery and courage to point that out. Who has an honest count on how much money has come in for relief effort so far? Where has the funds been deposited? Who is in charge of the deposit receipts? Who keeps the Balance Sheet and who will eventually round up the expenditures and issue a STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW? Do we even have an allocation worksheet?

    I know for sure there are some Big Headed-Two Legged-Big Fat Dirty Rats waiting to eat up some Paper Money Boy.

    God help DA and expose everything that is going on behind close doors. Your will be Done Jesus.

    • Fatigue avec one man show-la
      September 17, 2015

      si ou te’ noway sa ou te ka faire?

    • The Real Facts
      September 19, 2015

      You are a person of bad mind. What has that got to do with you? You are not helping Dominica one bit. Pray to God to cleanse your heart.
      Some of you turn good into nothing good because of your low minds. One day you will be exposed as well for your bad mind.
      Leave God out of your immoral comess of brains, heart and mind. He is not amused and pleased with you. He knows the wickedness that is within you.
      I am warning you. Someday you will pay for your unkind words. You are another one who never sees the good in people and the good works that is done. You are quick to point out the bad where it does not exist. This is your type of mentality. Look to yourself and examine your conscience. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  13. September 17, 2015

    You ignorant foolcthe last time i remember Mr Skeritt was PM are you not aware that thecworld is going to real with him?are you for real with your stupidity.
    Honestly nothing changes with you idiots in Dominica even in such añ emotional tiime is only maypwee .

  14. Jim pwell
    September 17, 2015

    thats nice but i think that all work should start after the hurricane season ends,because the storms and tropical waves coming very often think it can do some damage to new constructed sites.

    • The Real Facts
      September 19, 2015

      How do you expect the people to travel? Have you heard of any new storms?

  15. not against
    September 17, 2015

    This is the very same kind of negativity that got us where we are today. Why don’t we forget all the BS and concentrate on rebuilding dominica. I am 100% UWP but now I don’t care about color. All I care about is rebuilding my country. Common people. What ever happened to all for each and each for all? Stamp out the politics, no blue no red no green. Just Dominicans. Love and unity.

    • not against
      September 17, 2015

      Correction. Come on people.

    • Not Me Alone
      September 17, 2015

      @not against, I am 1000% DLP but that does not mean I am blind. I am doing all that I can to rebuild Dominica. However, if my house fell do you think I have to forget about what caused it to fall and just go ahead and rebuild? Don’t you think a wise person should question what was wrongly done the first time with the view of avoiding the same mistake when rebuilding? I dear say only fools would do that.

      Here is the first line of your comment: “This is the very same kind of negativity that got us where we are today.” Are you serious? I do not know what exactly got us where we are today but I sure can identify some contributing factors, that may very well assisted Erica in bring us where we are today. Let me list some of the negativity that contributed:
      1. While growing up in the 50’s up to 2004, all drains, culverts, under bridges, even river mouths in some cases were cleaned by public works to facilitate smooth flow of water. 2. When last was this done? 3 where is public…

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        It is left to some people who see. They should report it to the proper authorities and not turn blind eyes as if they do not care and then they turn around and criticize.
        Today, most people appear wiser and observant. It is every national’s country and they should do their utmost to report what they think should be done so that it could be rectified.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 17, 2015

      It is the negativity of the Labor Party for more than sixty years which cause Dominica to be so backward, and poor. It is good to commenced reconstructing the island, however whatever we do has to be done better than we had prior to the storm!

      If we are building a new house, the foundation must be structured stronger than the one which washed away by the flood waters.

      The way that thing in the picture looks, it seems that Dominicans are saying thanks to donors for every bit of inferior and mediocre bit of crap thrown in our face. Thank you Venezuela for shacks made out of plastics, and rod iron, next thing we will hear is that the occupants are dying from cancer.

      The best thing to happen to Dominica right now is to take our time, and whatever we do let it be done correctly the first time around, otherwise, one year, or two years from now we will be looking to do the same job over again.

      • Dominican
        September 18, 2015

        Sot its a temporary fixture which is being assembled. They use them in wars so yes it is strong enough for its purpose. It seems the physics you said you studied must be from google for real. I thought when people said you just use cut and paste it was a joke but it seems is true.

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        If you are that much of an expert, why do you not go to Dominica and offer your expert advice and physical assistance? Your type of criticisms and from afar, go nowhere.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        September 20, 2015

        If you are responding to my comments, let me assure you that I am not interesting in garbage people like you have to say, because what you write is a representation of who you are, and from the crap you write indicated your mentality is lower than that of a dog! You talking about physics, let us see if you have a voice and know what the hell you talking about.

        Here is a problem calculate it, here on DNO, humiliate me if you can by producing the correct answer, I setting it up for you all you have to do is complete it; let’s see what you have over me!

        V= m/p = 0.30kg/13 600 kg/m exponent 3 =

        Give me the answer, if you do I the next move would be for you to tell me your name and where I can find you so that I can kiss your nasty, pig face and behind! Prove you are smart as I am to me.

    • September 18, 2015

      They don’t want to mix the colours,they will get purpule..??

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        Did you mean purple?

  16. Not Me Alone
    September 17, 2015

    Thank you Mr PM for such detailed information. You again confirmed why we should not have so many ministers to pay a salary to because you alone seem to be well able to handle it all. Since the storm we’ve seen you talking about the death toll, the resumption of LIAT flights, appointment of foreign “international relief coordinator”, reopening of School, cancelation of WCMF, relocation of residents, and now construction of bridges. Sir, you have been doing it all and you proved to us that Dominica might just need a Prime Minister and good community leaders to move forward. I therefore humbly suggest that you dissolve the cabinet so the one man show can continue.

    I also want to give the PM some kudos for being such a good psychologist. I mean prior to Erica, the bridges that got destroyed were part of the EO Leblanc Highway ” and now the area is described by the PM as “The three bridges on the West Coast”? So Mr. Pm you no longer want to associate yourself with your project?

    • A. George
      September 17, 2015

      If you listened to or viewed the various press conferences you would have seen that on more than one occaision he took a back seat.
      One press conference was dedicated to the ministry of health- the ps chaired, the chief medical officers, paho rep etc spoke
      One press conference was dedicated to tourism- the minster spoke as did the head of the tourism authority and more
      another featured religious leaders from methodist, anglican, seventh day and catholic churches among others..

      so please when you make these general comments do your research first. I think the pm must have been happy to have those persons taking the lead because it gave him a break.. please let us realise that he works on advice from others, so even though it is him making the statement many persons had a say in who, what, when, why and how …

      • Not Me Alone
        September 17, 2015

        But @ A George, you did not respond to the kudos I gave the PM for psychologically identifying the damaged bridges of the EO Leblanc Highway as the “West Coast” instead of the name that he himself gave to that area. I mean we all knew the area as ‘The West Cost Road’ prior to the renaming of it by the same PM. Did he forget the name? Is he ashamed to see the EO leblanc Highway that was built less than two years ago, was so badly damaged? Should we also expect him to refer to the Douglas Charles airport as ‘Melvillehall or the airport’, since the strength of his work was revealed? I am not negative, just simply asking pertinent and logical questions

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        Excellent response which is true.
        These critics harp on everything and what is unnecessary and unimportant. They are so picky and petty over nothing.
        Small minds make a mountain out of a molehill that they should leave alone.

    • Dominican
      September 17, 2015

      It seems some people just have to dig all pinese bank just to get something negative to say.

    • Not Me Alone
      September 17, 2015

      @ A. George, I listened to and viewed those press conferences you made reference to. You are right it was chaired by Ps Royer and indeed various speakers spoke. However, didn’t take a back seat since he spoke before the PS. I even wondered why the man had to be there. Did he feel his ps and others were not competent enough to do the job? Just asking,

      Yap, I saw the tourism PC and saw the minister spoke. But let’s not forget that the minister for everything had already told us what to expect.

      Concerning the religious leaders, are you saying the PM gave them a chance to talk? What does religious leaders have to do with a press briefing? Are you implying that they (the religious leaders) are officially part of the government? I use to wonder why they were so silent when lawlessness and other ills were affecting Dominica, but you just answered my questions.

    • watchit
      September 18, 2015

      Hahaha!

    • Barbara Saunders
      September 18, 2015

      Not me alone
      You people will have to make up your minds! First, Mr. Skerrit gets pummeled for resurfacing an existing road and calling it a highway, now it gets destroyed by a natural disaster you speak as if his government built the highway. Make up your mind!

      As far as I am aware that roadway is older than Mr. Skerrit, his government simply improved it, just like the Douglas-Charles Airport which is also older than he is but which his government attempted to modernise.

      A number of countries have been hit in the recent past by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis etc. I wonder how many of their people engaged in this idle hate talk against their governments and countries?

      The danger in this is that so many little people will not take time to inform themselves and just hang on to the hate talk and build themselves into a frenzy.

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        It appears prevalent only in Dominica. When disasters strike the people pick up whatever is left of the pieces and move on. They may get help from their government and also from other entities. They do not blame their government.
        Each minister, department has a job to do and they get on with it. Their people are patient.
        In Dominica? There are some who consistently criticize. They are consistently on the back of the PM. It is not fair to him. They are bias and lack appreciation. These give outsiders who read their comments a bad feeling about them; not Dominicans on the whole.
        Thank God all Dominicans are not the same. God help Dominica if this were not so.
        Will these critics ever change?

  17. Not a herd follower
    September 17, 2015

    DNO, who is installing the bridges? I see people who look like foreigners in the photo. Which country is providing assistance in putting up the bridges?

  18. Anthony P. Ismael
    September 17, 2015

    I’m wondering why we do not have at least one bailey bridge in storage that can be deployed after such disasters. It’s not the first time that our bridges were washed away during heavy rains/tropical storms. Let’s hope that this storm will lead to more pragmatic disaster preparedness.

    http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/prefabricated-bailey-bridge_60115742799.html?spm=a2700.7724857.35.1.r2xOna&s=p

  19. grell
    September 17, 2015

    SMH i have not seen or heard our minister of works sounding off,and also where is the minister of security,this is really a cult government,one man running the entire country.

    • watchit
      September 18, 2015

      Woye!

  20. bimb
    September 17, 2015

    they need to be higher or else they may bet washed away also.

  21. RayB
    September 17, 2015

    Where is the minister of communication and works in all of this rebuilding efforts? The P.M does not have to be in every little photo-op and news feed. Man-up to Skerritt and tell him to release all you to do all you work. He thinks that he is an expert in every level of development?
    It is nice to see that St. Vincent send us these bridges and we are very thankful for them.
    A hungry man will feed himself first, so there should be an independent team of overseers to control all the financial donations that we are getting, because right now we have only one man doing the counting.

    • Anonymous
      September 17, 2015

      For once look at the situation from the positive side. The bridges will be built quickly to allow access across the island. Nothing can satisfy us Dominicans. The PM hasn’t been doing the best job over the years but give him his bouquet when he deserves it. He is doing well in the wake of the disaster. Stop the negativity and help build the country. Sheesh!

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        It depends on your mentality. How has he not been doing a good job? There are too many critics who undermine all the good he did. As soon as he and his ministers comment these people as you are too quick to criticize all their good efforts because you do not support the government. Is this not being bias?
        Tropical storm Erika almost wiped up all of Dominica and the criticisms continue. These probably did not even thank God for sparing them and also their property. Is this not overall ingratitude?
        Do they feel compassionate for those who lost their life and their family who are mourning their loss in addition to loss of property? If the worst occurs, what will happen to those critics? God knows!

    • A. George
      September 17, 2015

      Hi RayB if you go to Facebook you can see photos from several parl. reps. on their various pages both govt. and opposition.

    • Dominican
      September 17, 2015

      If the PM was not in it you would be asking why is he not in it. We just have to keep moving and ignore people like you who are idle enough to sit and pick all kind of pinese to talk about. Skerrit really have you all running scared. Brace yourself he will take us out of this with flying colors then you will give up and migrate

      • The Real Facts
        September 19, 2015

        Migrate to what country? Is there really a country they may want to migrate to which is better than Dominica with its year-round tropical weather of all?
        Dominicans have it too good. Some were too busy criticizing and so they received something for their ingratitude which was also wrought upon the good and caring ones. In times as this, the good also pays for the bad.
        They should stay home and help rebuild Dominica. At least they do not have to put up with approximately nine months of winter and winter storms. They do not know how fortunate they are.
        For now, after tropical storm Erika, times are hard but Dominicans will get out of it. Dominica will come alive again. The cooperation of everyone is required to achieve that and soon enough. May there be no more such tropical storms as Erika.
        God bless and protect Dominica and all nationals.

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