$612.7M in infrastructural damages–371 houses destroyed

A broken Batalie bridge
Batalie bridge – one of the several bridges damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Erika

Tropical Storm Erika has left a trail of infrastructural damages estimated at $612.7M while 371 houses have been destroyed across the island.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the announcement on September 2, describing the undertaking to restore the island’s infrastructure as tremendous. He also specified that it does not include reconstruction of the homes at Petite Savanne and other communities.

Skerrit said many roads, bridges and buildings were severely damaged by the storm which struck   on August 27.

Further, he noted that the Douglas Charles Airport was significantly impacted and Government would require $39.5M to restore it.

“Every piece of equipment at the airport has been destroyed and therefore the equipment has to be replaced,” Skerrit said.

Further, clearing landslides around the island will cost $12M, he said.

PM Skerrit said it is estimated that 217 houses were destroyed in Petite Savanne while the tally is 154 so far in other parts of the island.

Further, he mentioned that a United Kingdom (UK) military vessel with 150 men has arrived on island to assist in the country’s recovery efforts. The men will assist in Colihaut, Coulibisrie and Dublanc. The Prime Minister said the military team will assist with the establishment of temporary water systems.

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41 Comments

  1. Truth and Justice
    September 6, 2015

    This disaster could be a blessing as it gives the oportunity to now initiate laws to build only on hgh ground with proper retaining walls.

  2. Looking
    September 4, 2015

    Its really sad our situation now. We will get a lot of help but it may not be sufficient. I remember vividly during elections churches were empty. We forgot God and put our trust in man. Lesson learnt. Trust in the lord with all our hearts..

  3. gadathy
    September 4, 2015

    i once said new roads old bridges the bridges which were distroyed is older than every minister of gorverment and as for me mwe layvay tbwy connet yow and i im 44 yrs old

  4. Mouth of the South
    September 4, 2015

    Government should consider acquiring that large expanse of relatively flan land known as Grand Coulibri Estate (aka Bordieu) south-west of Grandbay for the re-settlement of the displaced people from Petite Savanne and Dubique. In the interim these homeless people could be housed at the Chinese-built apartments in Bath Estate and Elmshall.

  5. nicole
    September 4, 2015

    Why is the even talk of rebuilding petite savanne? The place is obviously a death trap…Is it really wise to put these people’s lives at risk again ( if, GOD FORBID, another flood or hurricane should hit the island)?

    Disaster advisory committee what are you guys saying about this? Any fool can see that NO ONE should be encouraged to go back to live in petite savanne so why spend money rebuilding it?

    Ok I get it – maybe they are trying to be funny and lighten people’s mood a bit. Because this rebuilding houses in petite savanne statement can’t be anything but a joke.

  6. 4-cars
    September 3, 2015

    Good time to buy a piece of land. How much is a sq. ft now? Forgive me, all who will read this. We are a very greedy people, and we pay and could pay more dearly for our greediness. We the citizens of beautiful Dominica, at one point could afford to buy a piece of land for a reasonable price. We could also rent a decent place to live for an affordable price. But once Chines and Japanese, and Taiwanese started coming into the country by droves, then all hell broke loose. A three bedroom house is now a Million Dollars; Land is a quarter Million per quarter acre, and Dominica was being completely sold to foreigners and strangers. Now that Erika has struck the strangers and foreigners may no longer want to remain on that piece of rock. Now, how much are you selling your land today? We have to repent of our selfishness and greediness. “The love of m$ney is the ROOT OF ALL EVIL.”

  7. 4-cars
    September 3, 2015

    Every time I turned to DNO I’d read of Millions in grants, from China, Millions in aids from Morocco, Millions in gifts from Venezuela and Millions flowing like water into Dominica for every which way. Now tell me, we still don’t have enough Millions to fix our country? WHERE DID DE MILLIONS GO?

  8. Doméric
    September 3, 2015

    2016 must be a reunion year to ask all dominuican leaving overseas to come dominicca in the year an make a contibution to restore the country. Hold strong and pray god, after David DOMINICA restand up, after Dean too

  9. Anthony P. Ismael
    September 3, 2015

    If the government rebuilds Douglas Charles Airport, the total amount of money spent on that airport will be a whopping $149.5 million dollars. Is this a wise decision?

  10. The Real Facts
    September 3, 2015

    Prior to this destructive storm, Dominica was doing quite well. The PM was looking forward to continuing building it up.
    We must say, Poor Dominica and also nationals especially those who are affected. The estimated cost is immense. We do know it has set Dominica back some 30 years, give and take a few years.
    May God assist the government and nationals in rebuilding Dominica – sweet Dominica, the land of beauty. It still has its beauty. It is not lost or entirely lost.
    Fear not! In time, Dominica will be rebuilt. Patience, cooperation and encouragement in all undertakings. Nationals, please keep this in mind.
    No more criticisms (or tone them down) which have helped to debase all the good which was done and others being done in Dominica for the benefit of all nationals.
    A new day has dawned. Look forward with enthusiasm.
    You never know, God ordains all to be. Keep up the godly spirit.
    God bless everyone and with unity!

  11. dunce
    September 3, 2015

    What about all the damage vehicles, those that were not insured and those that will not be covered by insurance due to act of God??

  12. recollect
    September 3, 2015

    O.J brought in the Seabees from the US ARMY to do what the British is called to perform …. same numbers I RECALL rebuilding bridges too during hurricane David ..with massive aid OF BUILDING MATERIALS and food -ARMY RATIONS ETC from AMERICA ..more food than we could consume !
    where are the AMERICANS ?

  13. Shameless
    September 3, 2015

    Pte. Savanna should not be rebuilt, at least in the short term. Have the people relocate to places of their choice and work closely with them allowing them access and use of government lands etc.

    Those who refuse to leave will now fall under the Grandl Bay Constituency for governance purposes. This will require a new constituency comprising of Pichlin up to Bellevue and will require a constitutional amendment but we will survive.

    On the issue of Douglas-Charles Airport, that is a no brainer. Time to move to a new location with a new facility that can accomodate larger (JET) type airplanes or as Dominicans would say an INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. It gives the government a way out of their face saving quagmire without being perceived as relenting to the opposition ( :-P :-P :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ).

    Assertive, NEVER Aggressive! 8) 8)

  14. Francisco Telemaque
    September 3, 2015

    If you are going to spend thirty-nine and a half million dollars to repair damages to Melville Hall Airport, only to have the same event occur in a few years, we do not know how many; now would be the appropriate time to look into the building of an International Airport.

    Where Melville Hall, Charles Douglas, or Roosevelt Skerrit night landing airport is located, has always been prone to flooding, and it will happen again. The river that runs adjacent to the Airport is divided a few miles at the top of the airport, One branch form the Londonderry River, and the other is the Millville Hall River. Anytime and every time there is a flood in that area; the Airport is going to suffer the same consequences, and it will become more expensive to repair from year to year, after such an event.

    For as long as Dominica exists, for hundreds of years, that area goes under several feet of water; that cannot be changed! Utilize Canefield, while a new International Airport is built…

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 3, 2015

      Commonsense should dictate that! Nevertheless I can gamble my life, that Skerrit, and his circus clowns will argue it is better to repair the damages but what happens in five, fifteen, or twenty-five years when another hurricane, or tropical storm of the same or higher magnitude hits again?

      The location where Edison James, and the UWP was building the International Airport, of which Roosevelt Skerrit was one of those who said we did not need an International Airport, and the one that Skerrit and the labor party shut down was too expensive to build; that location never flood out, I cannot remember once in my life of living, no matter how much it rains in the country, that location has never seen a flood!

      Instead of the Labor clowns crying “we doh have de money to build it” you might as well try and get Venezuela to scrape the bottom of some barrel and find the money we have to loan you oui!

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha!

  15. jep
    September 3, 2015

    Declare a “State of Emergency” so that foreign aid (monetary & technical) can pour in to help with reconstruction of vital infrastructure. I am willing to suspend my civil rights to see Dominica rebuilt. If we need a curfew for a short time, then I think the greater majority of Dominicans will agree it’s in our best interest. The taxpayers cannot afford this $1B bill! It is not the “Government” that is broke. It’s the taxpayers(those who have to pay back the country’s loans) who are broke. For heaven sake, we are producing nothing! Let’s get Real!

  16. Lucia
    September 3, 2015

    I don’t think it costs that much. Whoever is giving the money should do the work and then Bill Dominica. the minister of Finance cant be trusted with that kind of money.

  17. Nacinimod
    September 3, 2015

    Maybe I missed it but when will help from the USA and Canada arrive? Perhaps I am naive, but the two countries that most able to help with technical, material and heavy equipment are conspicuously absent on island.

    This is an opportunity to rebuild the infrastructure to world class standards and not continue with the coshonie narrow winding roads and houses so close to the road sides. Now is the time to address the parking issue around island but especially in Roseau and Portsmouth.

    And remember never leave an opportunity go to waste folks. Turn a disaster into an opportunity.

  18. a lean government needed
    September 3, 2015

    we will not rebuild Dominica while we pay 18 government ministers hugh salary plus the special advisers. too many dependence on the payroll a small island like Dominica need only 8 t0 10 ministers

  19. Henderson
    September 3, 2015

    estimate need to be revised its larking $ 11, 345. 678. 98 in addition to 612.7 million

  20. Concerns
    September 3, 2015

    I personally think petite savana should be comdemm. The area is apparently disaterous so why spent money to rebuild there. Just saying

    • The Real Facts
      September 3, 2015

      Has it yet been decided that Petite Savanne will be rebuilt? The PM stated, the cost does not include Petite Savanne. He did not mention that it will be rebuilt.
      Considering the landslides which caused extensive damage with many loss of lives, I would think prior to consider rebuilding that area, an assessment will first be made if it is safe and worthwhile of ever rebuilding. I have my doubts that it will be rebuilt; certainly not now.

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      September 3, 2015

      I agree.

  21. jamesd
    September 3, 2015

    wow we going to need all hands on deck to recover from this. But together we can do it!

  22. too late
    September 3, 2015

    Well hopefully the country’s money will not be shared out for votes and swindled again by this administration . see how much we need now to rebuild.

  23. Just Blaze
    September 3, 2015

    We really need to come together as a people and support one another. We cannot depend on gov’t to build back our country. Gov’t already brokes. Let us focus on unity community building and family values. Otherwise we don’t have a chance.Prayers go out to all the people who lost their homes jobs and loved ones.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 3, 2015

      Steve, every Dominican at this moment perhaps would like to help as much as they could, but remember no one has been able to milk blood out of rocks and stones: most of all the people affected are bone poor; zero minus (0-0) zero = 0.000, and will continue into infinity!

      Dominica is a place which lacks employment opportunities, Skerrit gives handouts to his puppets, but in a time of need the few pence he gives to his supporters when they have an emergency like this they cannot help themselves, never mind anyone else.

      Nobody in Dominica should own a house or a business without having insurance coverage for such occasions, government will never be in a position to do everything, however if the citizens of the country has no earning power, they most likely do not have a bank nor saving account.

      That is the majority, I am sure many are wishing today they had a job, and a saving account. Backwardness and politics breaths poverty!

  24. Ryan
    September 3, 2015

    Wow that’s some serious expenses,, my advice moving forward is focus on an international air port … A temporary structure should set up in the mean time

    • Really
      September 3, 2015

      I am just wondering if no rain falls on an international airport. When some comments are made do we think before?

    • The Real Facts
      September 3, 2015

      Why would you think of that? After all this damage and the cost of re-constructing and repairing, the last thing (if not at all), which should be on anyone’s mind at this time is constructing an international airport.
      The needs of those affected, bridges and roads come first. It also includes farmers who lost their crops.

    • dca girl
      September 3, 2015

      i agree to .. some temp for the time n build the intl airport… who knows when another one like tht gonna pass n do the same thing

  25. kisses
    September 3, 2015

    That estimate of 612 million is public infrastructure damage… if we have to add business losses and homes destroyed and posessions lost i believe we would be well into a billion….. yes i…. dat is damage!!!

    • The Real Facts
      September 3, 2015

      At this point it is only an estimate. Shall we say a guesstimate? :lol: The overall cost must be much higher.

  26. Observer
    September 3, 2015

    Who came up with that estimate? That a lot of money, but even sounds low for the level of damages I observed via photos and videos. I also hope that that estimate catered for us building bigger and stronger structures to survive another similar catastrophic storm. Adding the houses, will be a few more millions. We will get help. It’s a major blue, but we will pull thru.

    • The Real Facts
      September 3, 2015

      All the same some of the properties are insured. The insurance company will compensate those who have insurance policies. You know why it is wise to have insurance property coverage, if the enterprise deems them worthy of insuring.

    • 4-cars
      September 3, 2015

      Yah, it was really blue.

  27. unknown767
    September 3, 2015

    waw $$$$$$$ :/

  28. Stealth Critique
    September 3, 2015

    Why would you rebuild the house in Petite Savanne? it’s obviously a flood zone and/or landslide zone.

    • The Real Facts
      September 3, 2015

      Who said the houses in Petite Savanne will be rebuilt? Ask those residents. They may fear returning to reside there.
      In addition, it will hold bad memories of their loved ones who perished during the storm. Poor people. RIP
      The government will have to decide that after making a full assessment of the damage and if it could be habitable in the future. I would think at this time it is premature to even consider it.

    • kisses
      September 3, 2015

      It is easy for you to ssay because u have no connections to the community.. but you need to put yourself in the shoes of a resident of petite savanne. It is hard to lose your house in a landslide or flood but even harder to abandon all you have worked for. your house you have mortgage of 500k on and cannot live in it… this is not an easy thing to accept. thats well over 1000 people in a tiny island who have to start all over. Many now unemployed after their place of employment destroyed….my gosh.. my heary bleeds for the ppl of petite savanne

    • Sleath Critique

      Could be rebuilt differently with specific specifications; not building our homes where ever we want. Safety for ourselves and others must be taken into proper consideration. If we are saying we should abandon some areas without looking at it at every angle, then that could be said in mostly any area of Dominica.

      You know our country is made of hills and rivers. Petite Savanne sadly, is not the only community that was affected by the floods. It recorded the most deaths on the island, a heart breaking never to forget era in our lifetime; at the same time all rivers were dangerously overflowing and severe damages all over the country. Our cool heads should prevail. We are reminded Dominica is the land of 365 rivers. That means what happened in Petite Savanne could have happened anywhere we have rivers.

      We have to continue to give praise and thanks as we mourn.

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