Statistics revealed by Builders and Contractors Association of Dominica (BCAD) have shown that the construction industry in Dominica is the lowest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the OECS.
This, according to BCAD, is not acceptable and moves are being made to reverse that trend.
BCAD, the once vibrant association became dormant over the years, however several players in the construction sector have teamed up and are hoping to revitalize the association.
According to them the construction industry plays a vital role in the development of Dominica’s economy.
Tony Leblanc, a member of Builders and Contractors Association of Dominica told a press conference Monday, that it is traditionally the role of government to stimulate a sluggish economy by undertaking construction work.
“It causes resurgence in buying in the sector and building materials and services. It creates other economic activities as a result of the improved sector,” he said.
Leblanc says in an effort to take control of the sector, regularization is essential.
“Many of us depend on the construction industry. Construction affects everybody. Worldwide, construction is an indicator of economic activity. Research has shown that it lags behind economic growth but it also cushions downturn in the economy,” he explained.
Frequently the proliferation of construction projects is the result of prodigious economic growth.
Short of economic growth, there really can’t be significant growth in the construction industry
However, Dominican construction professionals can take measures to enhance the quality of their worktrade — And even as a whole, learn to “brand” Dominican construction professionals as workers who ply their trade in a way that supports & even enhances the local all-natural environment.
Regarding measures to enhance construction worker savvy and professionalism:
Well thought out courses in fundamental construction physics; training in new technologies such as SIPs, ICFs, & seismic products; and youth trade training programs; etc., can bring up the quality of work! And international investors take notice!
Extraordinary, useful, FREE, videos & other material containing fundamental to high end & cutting edge education platforms are offered ONLINE via the internet!
Why not make use of these extraordinary resources?
In fact, education is the fundamental progenitor of economic success not only for the construction professionals, but for the country as a whole!
Why isn’t the government of Dominica developing a survey of free online services such as Khan Academy, etc? It wouldn’t cost a thing!
You want to reach success in the 21st century, then embrace the internet! It’s all there for you; it’s all there for Dominica!
this is a much needed move which should also be extended to the architects society and engineers association. great initiative!
How is regularization of the industry going to stimulate growth. I just don’t get it.
While I commend this move,I would like to emphasise that, more professionalism is needed from this sector. Gone are the days when contractors would take their sweet time to finish projects.
If and when there is an economic rebound in this sector, I sincerely hope that all contractors and their employees take an indepth look at their practices and encourage more professionalism amongst their employees.
You are so right!!
The fact is not that there is no construction but the largest projects are being done by foreigners and Dominicans are left out.
Well there is less construction as there is next to none local investment but I get your point that the little construction that there is, is mainly on the public sector level and it’s majority foreigners that have those jobs.
One thing locals will get the majority of though is the inevitable taxes that go with these foreign-labour dominated capital projects. This Skerrit administration not too bright eh? They cant even grasp the most simple and basic of economic principles.
Anyway, because you can teef don’t mean you bright.
Labour productivity in the construction sector is extremely low!It appears that most of them are trying to “outsmart” work!
Let us put our best foot forward.put aside personlities,political views,religious views and any thing that would hinder the BCAD from playing the role it needs to play in the industry.I am in 100%support of you guys. make it work.
More research needs to be conducted to explain why this is the case.
Which one you need? Newton, Avogadro, Einstein. More research huh. What About more research on why 1+1 equal 2. Saquais ignowan.
I understand that in the interest of their business Tony and others must carefully choose their words to describe the status quo. We know exactly what the problem is. The government of Dominica. We could go on identifying the blatant and deliberate mistakes ade by the government but I trust that every honest person know the deliberate and arrogant acts that was conducted against the construction industry.
While they directly imposed hardship on the construction industry the industry is also feeling the impact of a non productive economy. Farmers are no more, there is a lack of job opportunities from all sectors. The BCAD is softy sobbing , retailers( non Chinese) are like sheep suffering in silence while Emile wants to wear white on December 31.
So Dominicans keep on keeping on until we start riming the old car.
Sensible and necessary initiative!
Well obviously! The economy is in the crapper and continues to stay there so obvilusly there is no investment therefore obviously, there is little construction. DUH!