Major road work developments will be celebrated here later this month, when the government holds the completion ceremony of the Rehabilitated Roseau to Portsmouth Road – Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway.
The event has been scheduled for April 20, when the Skerrit-led administration hopes to shine the spotlight on the $100-million West Coast Road Project financed and built by the Chinese.
The project has had its share of criticism, ranging from queries about whether the construction work was of an inferior standard, to complaints that locals, or not enough of them had been employed to work on that road rehab project.
Seven months ago the Manager for China Railway 17 Bureau (the company carrying out the construction work), Jing Hao, sought to lay to rest those criticisms.
Making mention of references to doubt about the structural integrity of the road that had been built so far at the time, Hao explained that “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.”
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is obviously pleased with the result and last week praised the project.
“Driving to and from Vieille Case and to and from Portsmouth to Roseau is a dream now,” the prime minister told reporters at a news conference.
“You no longer have to be negotiating major potholes or other hindrances on the road, it’s a major improvement,” PM Skerrit said.
He said bus drivers in particular using the road “for their living are going to be some of the major beneficiaries of the improvement of the road network”.
Public Works Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has said that the West Coast Road Development Project is part of the key to the growth of Dominica as a nation.
The road connecting capital city Roseau and the town of Portsmouth is the most heavily traversed section of Dominica’s road network, in terms of traffic flow.
Nice to see we are bringing out our Heros name .Well deserved.The late LeBlance was a humble man.I remember spending time with him with him in vieille case.My dad who was visting from Britain in the early 70s.I love that.
I think the comments made about the new road are valid. Mahaut and Massacre are two major points on the route to Portsmouth.
The last time I was home, two vehicle were unable to pass each other at the entrance of Mahaut. Just imagine what will happen to someone who is awaiting the emergency services (Ambulance) to respond to them, if they are ill?
The cliff in the Tarreau secions needs to be shelved and reduced. I don’t think these comments are in any way, disrespectful or unappreciative by the Dominican public at large.
Nonetheless, the road appears to be much improved based on the photos that I have seen. If the Americans or Canadians had buitl this road, we know what we could expect.
It think the road is a vast improvement on what we had before but that does not mean it is perfect! As you say, Mahaut and Massacre are bottlenecks and dangerous ones at that. The wide section under the Canefield cliffs is paved with two different types of asphalt, abutting one another. It was not laid smooth to begin with and one can already feel undulations and bumps.I hope that the joints between the two asphalts are not weak spots and we’ll see a separation.In places Drainage is non-existent or inadequate and I foresee problems with water undermining the new surface during the rainy season. The bridge at Tarreau either needs shifting or widening if we are to avoid accidents. Last but not least I hope that the new water system currently being installed along the road will not entail cutting across that brand new surface to accommodate pipes to service properties on either side of the road.
Do you know that it has been years since the government is trying get the people who are living on the bayside so they could start the road project. Now they have to consider do in Belfast. Research before making unnecessary comments
What a great way to pay tribute to my COZ The Late E.O.Leblanc’ about time too . Well done to my pupil skerro its a very ell deserved honour and a very big THANKYOU!!!!! :
well if alu dont like the road..Fly na..i well happy for it.
loving the idea
Good morning my people. Well I do not know how the roads were because I left Dominica at a young age and I never went to Portsmouth as a child. I spent two weeks in Dominica during Carnival. I drove from Laplaine to Portsmouth then to Roseau. The road from Portsmouth to Roseau is very good and can only get better when completed. The only issue I have is that I felt they should put a concrete base with re-inforced steel in that way heavy rain and run off will not damage the base. We must say thanks for the road and hope it last.
big tings ah gwan.we support it 100%
Last year, I saw the road when they were so-called rehabilitating it! What a mess. I’ll put it this way…. it’s improved enough to cause way more fatalities. Wait and see/hear those fatalities increase! Because, when some Dominicans see ‘good’ roads, they will think it’s an invitation to speed and be reckless. The many curves should have been straightened and the whole thing (from P’mouth to Roseau) should have been four-laned. Not to mention of enough guardrails.
All these cheapskate Chinese did was just to pave over the old surface (in most areas). Just let a little rain fall or those DOWASCO/PWD folks dig it up, and you’ll see. This project should have been done by the Canadians or Americans… but then again, it’s thru a Chinese grant so that is/was virtually impossible. Anyway, you get what you pay for – as Dominica is finding out from the Stadium. They have about half a million dollars in repairs to be made on that stadium already! Imagine that!
China got more out of these deals! If you’re gonna do something costing US$37 million, do it right the first time… and save yourself the agony of costly repairs. Hope they saved a little from that money for repairs – which will start almost right after the Chinese hand over the roads to D/ca.
finally some one with sense
You people are never satisfied. It is really ashame that people are so critical about Dominica and their people, maybe the same people who have nothing of offer. The same who just run their mouths and doing nothing about it. I suggest that if you have nothing good or concrete to suppport you ignorant comments, buzz off. I am totally iritated, I love Dominica and hate that instead trying to uplift the country people are bringing it down by their negative criticism. You want more tourist,stop trying to run them away. You want better roads, you get and find fault. Why don’t you offer your services instead of worring about how much money is being spent, maybe you can get a bit of the action. Who do you think are providing the material to build homes, roads etc in the United States,who do think are providing food etc. in the US, the Chinese, because they are not afraid to work.. think about it and maybe you will stop putting your foot in your mouth. You may want to consider going back to school to learn to read and write, the English/grammer is atrocious.
Some of the comments that were made regarding the rehabilitated road from Roseau to Portsmouth are quite valid. Mahaut and Massacr needs attention. Tarreau needs attention also.
My guess is, if you point out parts of the road that could have been addressed more forcefully, you are unappreciative.
stop being negative your idiot… u doh like development jackass
dominicans just do not appreciate good things. so negative let them stay the poorest nation.
All you had to do was to take charge of the project. provide the funding, experts, etc.
@ “Scrum”, “Ghetto Gyal” and the rest…
Scrum – first of all, you describe yourself to a “T” – scrummy! What else can I say. Secondly, Dominicans must demand quality and stop accepting mediocrity. Doesn’t mean because it’s free you should always accept it – especially if it means selling your soul. If you had anything better to offer or recommend, instead of that beggar mentality, then you’d probably have something more insightful to share. And the word is not grammer, it is grammar…! So much for that, huh?
As for Ghetto gyal – your name says where you belong! I can’t understand what these uneducated fools try to act smart in this forum, but their ‘grammer’ wreaks of grossly incompetent blabberings.
Now unto decent talk. While development is good for Dominica… the nature of this road project will end up being more of a burden on Dominica in the near future. Because it is not done properly. I do not, however, deny that it is an improvement over the existing structure. Hence my point, if you’re going to spend that kind of money, do it right so that: the road lasts, and that most of the dangerous curves, embankments, shoulders are adequately addressed. I can go on and on…
And by the way, I love Dominica. But we cannot be so blind to let mediocrity and seeming shortterm gain cloud our objectivity. This is constructive criticism… take it or leave it.
Is this road really a highway? The road is a great ease for road users but two large trucks can hardly pass each other clearly between Jimmit and tareau. The road is very narrow.
Good work Labour and PM long live.
Keep up the good work Honourable Prime Minister…we are standing behind you 100% and wish you the best… we pledge our support in continuing to work with the youth and also in promoting our Government’s projects…
LONG LIVE PM SKERRIT WE NEVER SAW DEVELOPMENT LIKE THIS EVER IN DOMINICA. U R SO RIGHT BLESS UP.
so DNO you cant get some recent photos to put up rather that showing last year photo?
that would be nice…
the mahaut, massacre bypass was the first thing that should have been worked on. this was really poor planning.
This was considered but people do not want to move and government had to take that into consideration. I personally think they should move but my opinion is not all that matters.
The new road deserves the criticism it’s gotten, but at least it’s here. But that new bridge entering Picard is NOT that complex–it’s just some concrete poured over the SIDE of a crap load of dirt, with even more concrete piled on top of it. What was complex was digging it out to get the main structure formed.
you know it says COMPLETED and not COMPLEX right???
i hope it have good drainage also
I’m always wondering as to why so many of us are so negative about the good things. The road was bad, very bad. now the road is good. It may not be the greatest road ever but anyone who drives everyday will tell you that they are happy with the change. My vehicle rattling on the village road. As soon as I join the highway my same vehicle moving quietly like a contented cat. No shaking, no noise, no dodging potholes, just smooth sailing all the way to town.
Investors like good roads. Roads open up opportunities and move businesses away from town. Government is putting down infrastructure. It is up to private sector to use that infrastructure.
Thanks for the roads, the new college and all the other infrastructural developments. I’m looking forward to seeing the start of the new hospital.
@ As I See It
Investors like roads, But thier ist love is international airports.
Dominica must stop waiting on investors to do thier development. With dominica relatively small size its own people both hear and abroad can take it a great distance.
Investors from dominicas local histor take more away tahn they put in.
These things some Dominican who support the oppisition party doh like to see they so accustom to negative like their leader they do not like Development man. when it was bad they talk bad now it’s better they still talking bad DOMINICANS WHAT ALL U WANT NUH? SHATE MAN.
GREAT JOB !! VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!! THANKS TO THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA!!
I have one concern, what plans does the government have for Mahault..
well i must say came to Dominica in Feb and it is indeed a beautiful roadwork.Thanks to all who lend a helping hand.All my fellow Dominican safe driving look out for the other drive and pedestrians.
I was taught, in my primary school days, never to say school is opening in September but instead “School is re-opening in September” for obvious reasons that the school was opened on the day after construction activities completed.
How then can the Government of Dominica claim to be opening the West Coast Road more than forty years after it was constructed and in continuous use?
I can understand the opening of the new bridge which took place a few weeks ago, I can understand UWP opening the new Warner road, the new Delices to Petite Savanne Road, the new Fab road, the new Penville to Savanne Paille road, but to bring Dominicans to celebrate the opening of the rehabilitated west coast road as a new road is taking the joke too far.
When the Freedom Party rehabilitated the Hatten Garden, Grand Bay, Portsmouth to Marigot, Sylvania roads, there was no celebration, because it was understood that these roads were built and had to be rehabilitated.
It is not good politics to take advantage of the ignorance of a population, especially in a situation where 90% of the road was only resurfaced and there is absolutely no drainage.
The test for this road is the upcoming hurricane season.
It is a fact that traditionally, the Chinese are known for their substandard and inferior products. If the US and other developed countries have been the recipient of their bad products, so why should DA which is viewed as a third world country be spared from their bad engineering. The stadium is a perfect example.
How much more would it cost to build a bridge rather than to cradle the roadway. A higher thicker abutment and wing wall ; a thicker slab. I am not sure if this box culvert section will accommodate a 50 year storm. I’ve seen this ravine before and I am convinced that a bridge would provide better performance during a storm event.
I hate to say so but this is the truth – this is an inferior design. The vegetation and the diagonal cross drains will not prevent erosion of the embankment. The engineers in Dominica would know much better than to even suggest this cheap erosion control method. But then again beggars are no choosers.
Let us wait and see – I hope they put some money aside for early maintenance and repairs.
Where did SINTRA and Rush & Tompkins go ; what about Nelotare – that was great work. Dominicans made a good living too. Homes rented , bars and supermarkets flourished, truck drivers and equipment operators made good money.
This is a fantastic job to be proud of ,so why all the negative comments .We should demonstrate more appreciation.
Let us hope the east coast is the next ioo million dollar project.
This will open up a lot of posibilities for coastal development.
Let us hope the private sector take full advantage .OR if not we might have to change from the free interprise system to central planning
The country is developing
100 million dollars ,was that a gift or a loan?
Will Brisbane be allowed to put up a sign about the’waste of money’
i hope he will not use the road or look at the state house
yes it was a total waste of money…and he used it before so why should he stop using it…you want hi to fly?
take a stroll to the emergency department at the hospital, if not I can always take pictures of the MOULD growning on the walls and under the paint, and the RUSTY BEDFRAMES and dilapidated gurneys…….then we will talk about brisbane and waste of money after.
Cobbler, have you been asleep those last two years? This project is financed, and executed directly by China. it is a “gift”, not a loan. Whereas this road is for public use, you’ll soon find out that the state house is out of bounds to the general public.
really? you’re comparing a highly necessary road rehabilitation project linking the two most important towns on the island to an overglorified palace that would have no use other than “national pride”. the road will have an effect on the entire population of the country, both directly and indirectly. on the economy as well. now compare that to the state house project. if you have even a shred of common sense you will see why talking about the road and the state house at the same time makes no sense
I am seeing the need for some guardrail over that bridge, but I guess it is incomplete at this stage, but looking good otherwise
I think that some nice looking slope protection in that pic. Just hope the culvert is sized for peak flow.
This is arguably the longest and busiest road/highway on de island. Have u ever noticed how dead this road is? We have major activity in Roseau and Portsmouth but what happens in between? what major commercial activity is there between Picard and layou? Are de chinese planning to sprinkle de area with their architecture?
Sit at the roadside around Coulibistrie or Colihaut and count the number of cars going by between the hrs of 10:30am and 12:30pm and again from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Our major highway is a dead one. There is arguably more traffic going thru town on a daily basis than goes between Portsmouth and Roseau on a daily basis. Even the Grand bay Road has more traffic. That road is dead. After $100 million i want to see how different things will look by election time. Right now dat road DEAD, DEAD, DEAD……..NO BUSINESS…..NO ACTVIVITY
nice observation, but appreciate the project>>>>
The idea of public infrastructure is for the private sector ,people like you to put some activity in place.The government has done its job ,now you can do yours.
i dont money to do that. i tried to get…..they wont give me any…….see how long shernell waited and de result…….i am not a laborite……how long should i wait????????will i die first??????
However, de chinese come here to show us how to improve our economy. de Taiwanese taught us prawns and fishing……u want me to put a DA-Unit store with all de clothes and kitchen gadgets for de poor west coast farmers to move up in life? Try it nuh
well said Emile we need more positive people like u in dat damn country too much negative none of them saying THANK U GREEDY DOMINICANS be grateful…..
i Know a coulibistrie mentality when i see it. so much money folwing from plantain sales daily. colihaut have corn, plantain, tasty food at normas right on the highway. @ Dissident start thinking of your own ideas and stop playing politics for once. be ojective leh e bon de e bon
The road is great and makes the drive from Portsmouth to Roseau so much more enjoyable and quicker. These kinds of improvements are necessary for Dominica to even remain where it is let alone to move forward, as bad roads cost people money in terms of lost time and damaged vehicles. Infrastructure is the key to a great and successful nation, as so many people in “rich” countries like the U.S. have forgotten as they just want to cut government spending while their infrastructure ages and collapses, just so they can pay less taxes.
But the roads are still dangerous because of who we have to share them with. I am far from a slow driver, but I am always tailgated by one bus driver after another, following me so closely that if I were to have to hit my breaks suddenly there would be an accident. It seems to be MOST bus drivers, not just a select few, and they will zoom around me on a curve going 80 just to slam on their brakes and make a stop as soon as they pass me.
My wife was almost run over in front of our own house by a bus driver going around a corner too quickly in our village; his only answer when she scolded him, “I’m in a hurry!”
So let’s discuss how to address this problem and solve it so we’re not risking our lives and limbs because of others’ recklessness. One thing we can do is tell the driver when we are on a bus that we think he is following too closely.
I do agree with your comment. Whenever I am on the island I notice that the bus driver and delivery van drivers are the worst hooligans on Dominica’s roads. I am not only talking about driving fast, I am talking about driving dangerous. And when I look at the state of some of these vehicles, bad tires, damaged lights, etc. I wonder when the next major accident is going to happen.
Some one please help me………….
Hi Did they not just do the road from Loubiere to Grandbay? I drive on that road often and I know there was some work done and the road has been resurfaced. Are you in Dominica “grand bay”. I doubt. I know for a fact not “Radio Corde Carpi” that road works was just done on the Loubiere Grand Bay road. I don’t understand where grand bay coming with this at all.
If you are wrong please apologise to the readers.
how about some pics of the west coast road project?
Why Minister Blackmoore wants to reallign tarrou bridge only now.. no foresight????????
We need a new bridge in Tarreau!!!!! And if done this would be a significant improvement. Mr. Minister at what stage are the plans for the new bridge. You did say that a new bridge was being considered. Well what happening..
Yes grandbay road is bad ,and she is not doing no progress for grandbay.we not voting labour next election.the pedi temp road desperately need to b fix,so the young men can make farming for a living
So you should lobby for the grandbay road to be opened through Scots Head and continue through a east coast road.
In the meantime CONGRATS to the P M on a job well done,and THANK YOU to the chinese people is totally in order,
We should not be afraid to express thanks and appreciation .
You cannot take negatives to the bank
i seen the road, it not going to last long. it already bumpy with patches already showing existing.
There’s a sink hole by harris paints, and the bridge by auto trade, the asphalt has split. Been there for a couple weeks now. Imagine that.
i agree with u yes it has been surfaced now but the road to flat water goign to sit on it and cause dammage the drainage isnt done properly in majority of areas those piles they put all along the road in areas is a hazzard ( no space to pull of the road properly in an emergengy ) the verges still maked and not touched its an improventnt on what tthat was there before but next time get a road company to build roads not a railway company OH AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE THE TARMARC THEY USE ON THAT ROAD IS NOT OF PROPER QUALITY IF U HAVE NEW TIRES ON UR CAR ULL GET GRIP AND WHO IN DOMINICA HAVE GOOD TIRES ON THERE VEHICLE SO PREP FOR PEOPLE SLIDING OF THE ROAD IN RAIN IE AQUAPLANING
Are you an expert? What do you suggest, should we have stayed the way we were? what mr. Expert?
yes i think it should have stayed the same….instead of wasting all that money… quality is better than quantity
I’m a driver. My vehicle happy for the new roads.
moron the way i talk dosent it say that i know what i am talkign about i have been doign this with the pritish army for the past 8 years so trust me i know what i am about from the falklands ( if u know how to use a map ) to iraq afghanistan germany and bosnia one thign i know is road construction and design
now it is up to dominicans to take care of it and maintain the road…please people stop dumping mounds of dirt and trash along the roads….and lets maintain the grass on the side nice and low…make the drive as aesthetic as possible so dominicans and tourists alike can enjoy a nice drive
It is a great improvement. As long as the surface is of good quality and the subbase and sublayers are properly placed and compacted then the Dominican public should have no queries or comments or negative feedback. Anything would be better than what I drove on last year when I visited. This will save tires, increase gas mileage (which is a major issue, due to the prices), and it will save your vehicle. 100% of the vehicles in Dominica is need of an allignment because of the countless potholes that existed and these are impossible to dodge. Appreciate it.
Is that the case? “surface is of good quality and the subbase and sublayers are properly placed and compacted.”
so can anyone tell me what was done in regards to the mahau and massacre section that passes inside the village. If nothing was done their then its still just a waste. though i am thankful of the effort. Dominica needed that and the government gave the best they can. support them or not give jack his due.
I NOT GIVING ANYBODY DUE WHEN THEY FAILED TO DELIVER. U WOULD BE DE FIRST TO KICK ME IN DE REAR FOR WRONG SPELLING ON THIS BLOG…….THEY FAILED TO GIVE THE MASSACRE AND MAHAUT BYPASS AND NOT MAN ENOUGH TO SAY WHY. UP TO THIS VERY MOMENT. tHEY READY TO SIGN DE ROAD OVER AND NOT A WORD. WHAT RESPECT BOY. sO THEY BREAK THEY BREAK DE CLIFF BEFORE LES POINT TO CLEAR DE WAY FOR DOWASCO TO LAY PIPE AND ALL U THINK THAT WAS THE PLANNED BYPASS? BUT STUPIDITY WILL GET US REAL FAR EH BOY. WAIT STILL. U SEE WHAT HAPPEN IN MAHAUT OVER DE WEEKEND. IT HAVE MORE ROAD FATALITY TO COME. KWAYVAY US WE LIKE IT SO
Take your time, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
didnt u hear the companys response to what was said about the massacre and mahaut bypas when it was put forward to them there reply was and i quote ” the contract was for road rehabilitation not road construction so the government will have to arange for construction of that on there own “
Thank you Mr. Prime Minister, thank you China. dominicans let’s make good use of our roads and drive cautiously.
Good one.Thanks.
nice work…
The road is a significant improvement over what previously existed.
I’m happy with it.
That is all good. Mr. Prime Minister continue the good work but why do you allow dowasco to damage the side of the road after so much is spend on it. If I know dominican well enough they will say the Chinese did not do a good job when we start seeing the edge of the road break up. They should have done it before …
WELL DONE DOMINICA! I AM VERY EXCITED MYSELF…THIS IS GOING TO BE EFFICIENT AND PLEASING TO THE EYE. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS FROM HERE!
Good work but is there any update on the Massacre /Mahaut bypass.
NO!
give government de money……
AND THE GOVERNMENT FORGET THE ROADS IN GRAND BAY, HIS SURE LABOUR SEAT, AS U CAN SEE EVERYBODY HATE JUSTINA NOW SO THINK ABOUT AN ALMOST POSSIBLE LOSE IN GRAND BAY
Hi Did they not just do the road from Loubiere to Grandbay? I drive on that road often and I know there was some work done and the road has been resurfaced. Are you in Dominica “grand bay”. I doubt. I know for a fact not “Radio Corde Carpi” that road works was just done on the Loubiere Grand Bay road. I don’t understand where grand bay coming with this at all.
If you are wrong please apologise to the readers.
u drive the road from loubiere to geneva not to grandbay and that road is not complete the road isnt any wider some places it actually smaller the surface is not course enough and not cambered the clifs above the road were not touched unless for about 3 or 4 places everywhere else it is only surfacing and the drainage for the road worse than it was before and bush growing right up to the edge of the pavement so not much difference
Well, the west coast road is a very significant road as it connects the two main towns. It is a major highway on the island. The government can’t do it all otherwise people will all be well educated and come from non-dysfunctional parents. But they can’t hold your hands either/