$18-million project for Roseau

The West Bridge will demolished and reconstructed as part of the project
The West Bridge will be demolished and reconstructed as part of the project

The Government of Dominica has signed a contract with NSG Management and Technical Services Limited of Barbados worth EC$18,182,437.35 for a major project in Roseau.

The contract was signed on Wednesday.Work is expected to begin in May and will take 12 months to complete. It forms part of the Roseau Enhancement Project.

Public Works Minister Miriam Blanchard explained that the project will include demolishing and reconstructing the West Bridge, reconstructing the retaining wall and associated drainage works between the West Bridge and the EC Loblack Bridge and dredging the Roseau River between the Dominica China Friendship Bridge and the EC Loblack Bridge.

“The conceptualization of the Roseau Enhancement Project commenced in 2013 and resulted in our presentation to the public by NSG Management and Technical Services Limited at the State House,” she stated. “Many will remember that presentation that sought to provide an overview of the concept at that time. The following year, in 2014, an MOU was signed between the Government of Dominica and NSG Management and Technical Services Limited. The following year, 2015, the design contract was signed between the government and NSG Management and Technical Services Limited.

She stated that elements of the design contract included the replacement of the West Bridge, comprehensive traffic study, city storm and water system and street upgrade.

The Roseau Enhancement Project has been described as a comprehensive plan comprised of a number of different projects related to the urban infrastructure upgrading and enhancement to include the road network, bridges, drainage, street lighting and streetscape of Roseau and the improvement of the flow of traffic in Roseau among others.

When the MOU was signed in 2014 it was said that Dominica’s decision to upgrade Roseau could become a model for other Caribbean islands.

The dredging of the Roseau River will form part of the project
The dredging of the Roseau River will form part of the project
The contract was signed on Wednesday
The contract was signed on Wednesday

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70 Comments

  1. Oh La La
    April 15, 2016

    There should be a press conference on this big important project, instead of the big press conference for training of Musicians. This is big news – why no press conference leaves me to wonder. I guess there will be one at the ground breaking ceremony. I welcome the project – Roseau has suffered for too long.

  2. How????
    April 15, 2016

    Not too long the Roseau River Promenade wall (45m in length) was constructed. The Ministry of Public Works Energy and Ports internally estimated the works at $657,478.00 and the wining tender was $560,176.50. Now I ask each Dominican walking along the area to judge for yourself the estimated length of wall that will be part of this new scope of work and it is quite possible the length is approximately the same. Now, let us suppose two walls has to be constructed one on either side of the river bank from the West bridge to the Easterly bridge and the approximate cost is in the region of over $1.2M; or just put it $2M to exaggerate the cost. Can anyone point me to how on earth the West Bridge and drainage as per the scope mentioned would cost $16 + million dollars? I believe the should be the focus as well with the tendering issue.

    • How????
      April 15, 2016

      Oh keep in mind the Roseau River Promenade project had dredging of the river and rock armor along the wall as shown currently. So the $657,478.00 includes cost for the aforementioned works.

  3. FORKIT
    April 15, 2016

    bobol project, no tendering… my god, how much is enough

  4. Ifraid
    April 15, 2016

    Skeritt tired by pass the professionals in this country with his ….. and the professionals need to stand up and shut down the country. Skeritt have no respect for our professionals and its time for Dominicans would have to get there feet on the ground and shut down the country. THIS IS ENOUGH BULL IN THE COUNTRY

  5. Papa Dom
    April 15, 2016

    But does Barbados have any rivers, how many bridges are there in Barbados and what experience does this company have in that kind of work

  6. Questions
    April 15, 2016

    At least, will local truckers get the jobs or will Nsg be bringing ‘local’ trucks from B’dos?
    Also, are we beginning to see the effects of OECS and CARICOM or are local engineering firms supporters of an opposing political party?

  7. Face the Facts
    April 15, 2016

    When this enhancement project is completed, I am certain it will be something beautiful to see. Many who especially reside abroad are looking forward to it.
    Today, Dominica has more vehicles than in previous years and they are increasing.
    Barbados has traffic lights. Please ensure that traffic lights are installed especially in busy traffic areas.
    The sidewalks should be covered so that pedestrians do not slip and fall into the drains and injure themselves.

    • Floridian Diaspora
      April 15, 2016

      It would be even more beautiful if you’d stop talking garbage

  8. Shut Up
    April 14, 2016

    SHUT UP ALL YOU ALL HATERS… My Government is working. If you agree give me a thumbs up just like that,,, :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • Floridian Diaspora
      April 15, 2016

      Can you explain to me what type of work the useless bunch are doing apart from selling our passports and traveling?

  9. dbarrow
    April 14, 2016

    I would just slap you Dominicans . Day in day out we cry and complain and no nothing…nothing!!!!!!… You’ll really expect things to change? We are the cause of all that crap happening, because we fail to stand up and force the govt and all politicians regardless of party to be accountable to us the citizenry. They will continue to ride over us time and time again. We need to stand up as one formidable force. Smh. Madness is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result every time. This madness really cannot be allowed to continue.

    • smdh
      April 15, 2016

      thats because we are cowards. no courage. we are scared of the labels, the reprimand the punishmet, how we will be looked at, how our jobs will be affected etc.

  10. Locs Girl
    April 14, 2016

    Here we go again. Money talk and ain’t …….happening. Hurricane season is upon us, make haste!

  11. April 14, 2016

    At a time when our competent Dominican Civil Engineers are being side stepped in preference to those from other countries, I note that the government’s Board of Engineering (sic) is reminding local engineers that their annual practice fee is due! (Ref. Notice, Page 6, Sun Newspaper, April 11th 2016)

  12. JAGOTS
    April 14, 2016

    Interesting: project to commence in May just one month before the start of the hurricane season on June 1.

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      Never satisfied. Are you not aware life goes on? Even though it will be the hurricane season, does everything stand still? Is your life not continuing?
      Surely you should know, if the weather is fair, they will be able to work. If it is not, the work will stop temporarily. This should not surprise you and does not deserve to be critiqued.
      How much are you interested in the Roseau enhancement? When it is complete, you critics will enjoy the new view and whatever else comes with it. You will be proud.

  13. Anna Prince
    April 14, 2016

    Was this project tendered? If so, when and where?
    I do not expect an answer.

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      You said it. :lol: This is between the government authorities and whoever is granted it as you read.

  14. April 14, 2016

    Hello Skerrit, a few days ago you talked about involving our locals. Skerrit what’s up with this big multimillion project?. I would like to know if any Dominican submitted/tendered any documents for this said project, and if yes, what was the reason why he or she was not successful?. Skerrit you are worst than a two sided blade, you say one thing today and tomorrow you say and do another. Is it that the money is too much for a Dominica?,

    • forreal
      April 14, 2016

      hey celia,question did you live in dominica when their was a major road rehabilitation was taking place from roseau to hatton gardens,yes under mamo,what was the companies again?rush and Tomkins”british”nello & tere”american”and sintra I think was French”doing Portsmouth to hatton garden,that’s where you from right?i just guessing doh feel no way,but let me ask you,you had write something non,like in the newspaper oh you had go on DBS?because I know dNO was not even a old picture frame at that time

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      Some of you love to put your mouth into affairs which do not concern you. How much of your money is going into this?

      • Floridian Diaspora
        April 15, 2016

        Dear fax machine, can you tell me how much of your money is going into it?

  15. Fact
    April 14, 2016

    Dominica’s unemployment rate stands at 23% third in the Caribbean, and this statistic is not bad enough to encourage the Gov’t to grant this contract to a local engineering firm. This is unacceptable!!

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      So what? What is your fact? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

      • Floridian Diaspora
        April 15, 2016

        What’s yours?

  16. REAL!!!!
    April 14, 2016

    This GOVT have no use for local professional in this country…..More Salt to Suck!!!!

    An opportunity to engage our local engineers/ construction companies who are capable of managing this project and the GOVT looks the other way in dying economy which badly needs this money to circulate locally.

    Dominica is in a CRISIS.

  17. skepticalone
    April 14, 2016

    Congratulations on great “planning”. With a couple of minor delays they should be able to doing construction through 3 hurricane seasons! I guess they are planning for excuses for delays.

  18. connstruction worker
    April 14, 2016

    Certainly Dominicans, there must be Competent, professional engineers, contractors, skilled architects, masons, other construction workers in Dominica, who have shown the competence in building over the Years.

    Who built the West bridge and EC loblack bridge? Our PWD should be facilitated with the necessary resources to build its capacity to do such projects. Instead such institutions are being mashed-up. The projects that locals have been doing with successful reviews and could continue to do, are given to Bajan cos., or Chinese construction Cos. Shamefully backward.

    The DLP Cabal do not trust the people. Explain that to us. How could a Bajan co. be chosen over a local qualified, competent Dominican construction firm? There are several local construction firms, including PWD with the assistance that would deliver a job worthy of praise. Dominican construction workers have done it already.

    Why should a Gov’t treat its people with such mistrust? Shame DLP, shame.

    • Information
      April 14, 2016

      With the whom Caribbean Integration movement, companies from CARICOM are allowed to bid for projects in other member countries. Dominican companies can do the same overseas. While I would prefer it would have been given to a Dominican company, the project I would hope was offered to the company that is more competent to do the required job!

      • Shaka Zulu
        April 14, 2016

        How do you measure competency? Is it the millions in excess spent on the villecase water project, the delay on the delice bridge, is it the easy destruction on the China friendship bridge while older ones standing strong, is it the garbage pickup logistics? Government can set whomever to bid on the project. There is no Caricom law that says government must open bids to all Caricom islands. Seems like there is some vested interest in Barbados, the same place the undercover meetings with the Chinese were held. We were the ones who humiliated a Caricom national at mellvillehall just because we did not agree with his expressions. Some of us will make every excuse for stupidity.

      • Face the Facts
        April 14, 2016

        Cost, competency and getting it done within a stipulated and acceptable time.

  19. Shameless
    April 14, 2016

    Here we go again taking bread from our local firms on island. There is no reason on god’s earth why our local engineering companies could not have been given this project. Let them subcontract in areas where specialized equipment and expertise does not exist on island.

    I can see clearly that the Bados based apostles of the cabal has finally gotten in to get their dues 8) . Time will surely tell because when rouges and vagabonds fall out, just men get their rewards. :twisted:

    Never Aggressive! :twisted:

  20. Shaka Zulu
    April 14, 2016

    I can tell you based on what is planned above 18 million not going to cut it. Bridge, dredge, demolish, build, storm drainage, water system, Street enhancement. You might as well add a sewer system and tie it into every residence and business while you at it. I can see this going way over budget. Secondly why is there no engineering firm in Dominica that can do this. I know of firms that employ Dominicans fighting to stay awake. How can we rebuild Dominica when people in Dominica are not the # 1 focus of the rebuilding efforts.
    This project for dredging would be better off starting in October to avoid the bulk of the storm season. That should have started right after TS Erika. Dredging during hurricane season is poor planning and asking for trouble. Traffic studies should have already been done by ministry of communication and works along with traffic department and planning. I am willing to bet my life based on this government track record and understanding of such projects

    • Shaka Zulu
      April 14, 2016

      this is going to take more than 12 months and over budget. We are also going to hear tonnes of excuses. Prove me wrong. If there are no Dominican engineering firms that can do this jobs it means there are no government or ministry officials who can oversee these task, the reason why nothing gets completed on time and under budget. This folks in the ministry issuing contracts have never built crap in thier lives except kiss butt for a job. As a result they are not informed enough to oversee anything. I challenge anyone prove me wrong. 14 years is enough to know what’s up.

      • Face the Facts
        April 14, 2016

        You cannot see and foretell the future. Cease your speculation. In this case, it never gets anyone anywhere. A confident person will say, wait and see and hope for the best.

  21. UDOHREADYET
    April 14, 2016

    The rocks in the river can be used as building materials for the bridges, buildings and retaining river and sea walls. Its stronger than concrete and will last literally forever. The cost savings from using this free and stronger material versus concrete and steel alone, results of which we have seen does not last.

  22. April 14, 2016

    What is it Skerrit got against Dominicans eating bread? Shouldnt such Projects go to Dominicans to help circulate some money in the economy?

  23. A
    April 14, 2016

    I dunno…someone can correct me but, I wouldn’t tear down this bridge. it’s been going strong for decades. I’d maybe just reinforce it and repaint. And pattern other bridges on its design.

    • The Real Thing
      April 14, 2016

      Concur?What is wrong with this bridge?Compared to our Chinese Fruendship bridge,The old bridge has withstood the many floods surges.Resurface and repair were required,coat of paint Will outlast any of your new ones

  24. Whistler
    April 14, 2016

    have they put in place a plan for the citizens of Roseau in terms of the impact while constructing is ongoing?

    everything this regime does never bears fruit on the island, esp the failure of the Geothermal Project……..

    the PM believes in those throwing monies all over the place with lack of policy, look at the so call music industry, any dump would know policy in terms of music in the schools and then onto the industry with guidelines is the way forward…

    so in the end the economy will always be dead..

    well sadly dominicans are foolish in the majority thus them remaining at the bottom as fools always do…..

  25. Fools Paradise
    April 14, 2016

    DNO, I respect your knowledge in the field of journalism but in my opinion a better headline for this article would have been $18- Million dollars goes to Barbados.

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      This is your sarcasm only a fool’s paradise could make. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  26. Lingkokwing University alumni
    April 14, 2016

    Contracts were also signed for a new hospital and airport… UP TO NOW..

    • Gwo Jel
      April 15, 2016

      i will “start” closer to the next election and allu will vote him again for his good work and keeping the promises. :lol: :lol:

  27. Caretaker
    April 14, 2016

    People with no style has no soul. New York is referred to as the big Apple, Roseau will be called the small Apple because you won’t know if you are in new York or Roseau. Good move PM. Barbados is a small island but big brain so this project is safe. The birds build their nests with one straw at a time. This government is fervent, follow us and be happy with no money’s. HOORAY BLESSINGS ALWAY THE WAY.

  28. Criminal Enterprise
    April 14, 2016

    Barbados again? All of our money going to B/dos boy. I wonder if there I connection? That Hartley advisor really getting projects for his people. Is the government saying that we do not have contractors / engineers in Dominica that can handle such project? I have nothing against Barbados but at the same time I have to question what is happening because we are dealing with a very corrupt government. Barbados is very flat and does not have the kind of dangerous rivers and rainfall we have in Dominica, and I really do not want another repeat of the China West Coast Road that was recently built by Chinese. If Skerrit is giving the impression that we do not have qualified persons in Dominica then why does he not enter into some kind of agreement with Barbados to provide them with fresh agricultural produce or bottled water, since we have them in abundance while Barbados is badly in need of them? I feel we paying Barbados for some secret deal

    • MUDD
      April 14, 2016

      So Engineers who islands that have big rivers alone that can do the project, is that what you are saying? Small minded people. stupes

      • Criminal Enterprise
        April 14, 2016

        @MUDD, you know very well that’s not what I am talking. We just spent over $130 million dollars on our airport, which was built by foreigners and in less than a year, the airport became a river port. Then we spent over $100 million on the west coast road, and lo and behold, it was gone, So put your two cents together

      • Jack
        April 14, 2016

        There is such a thing called local knowledge.
        When the foreign contractors were advised that the Chinese bridge was too low and the bridge for the link road had solid walls that would block the free flow of water they were ignored.
        The result water, water everywhere in the city. Imagine what bad seas coupled with flood can do to Roseau.

    • Holiday Island Boy
      April 14, 2016

      NSG is more or less a British Company that has relocated its HQ from London to Bridgetown.

  29. LearnToLoveIt
    April 14, 2016

    No mention is made of the parking issue. Robbie where is your voice?

    • Shameless
      April 14, 2016

      Cat have it sucking…..this man surprised me. I really thought Robbie was going to be a voice of reason but boy was I wrong! As the saying goes; “Mem bet-men-pwell! Time will tell because next election he will try contesting the Roseau Central seat but we are waiting. :twisted:

      Always Assertive! :twisted:

      • Face the Facts
        April 14, 2016

        Keep waiting. If you are alive. :lol: :lol: :lol:

  30. Papa Dom
    April 14, 2016

    Excuse my ignorance but as if I heard recently that they were asking for contribution towards some kind of plan recently

  31. Ifraid
    April 14, 2016

    So when was that works tendered, why handpick these contractors, what kinda political money grab contract is this? where is the money going to come from to undertake this project?

  32. Floridian diaspora
    April 14, 2016

    The planning party is at it again. They said that “This bridge is supposed to form part of the Roseau enhancement project.” Wait for it guys!!! We’re in 2016 and since about 2007/2008 I hearing about a Roseau enhancement A.K.A. a Roseau facelift. Eight years on and Roseau looks worse than ever. For those of you that waiting to see Dominica fix under Skeritt it’s best that you all abandon that thought. Not even your great great great grandchildren that have to see it fix as long as is Labor that there. They claim that “Dominica’s decision to upgrade Roseau could become a model for other Caribbean islands.” Give me a break. Who wants to model their capital after Roseau? Nobody!!! Roseau looking like a giant toilet bowl that needs to get flushed right down the ocean. In the process they should flush down the Labor regime along with it because they are virtually useless. They’re just giving people hot stones to hold and then abandoning their plans. Labor ka fe trop travay

  33. Dorival John
    April 14, 2016

    Hahahahaha….Pardon my skepticism but I will believe it when it is finished. To many half-a** projects around the place which the gov’t cannot seems to complete.

    Check the hotel in Portsmouth. The gov’t got the money in its hand and it cannot be completed.

    And by the way, what ever happened to the much talked about Roseau River Promenade which was expected to begin in 2013…we are in 2016. I am seeing elements of that project in the new project that is being presented? Whatever happened to the $4-million for the Promenade that was given by ALBA?

    Inquiring minds want to know.

  34. Just Me
    April 14, 2016

    work to begin in may; hurricane season starts in june; eh beh zor bien sot

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      Do you expect to be wiped away or Roseau for that matter? Do not wish for the worst. Be positive.

  35. Stone for real.com
    April 14, 2016

    Unless the roads are fixed in Dominica with the onset of the hurricane season it is possible that many folks won’t even be able to get to Roseau!! Especially if we have another storm like Erika or worse. The priority is to fix the roads around the island before beautifying Roseau!! Why oh why do you in the Government not get it!! It is 8 months since Erika! Everyone living in Dominica is crying and has been crying on the radio in the papers on the streets about the roads and the lack of anything being done! Stupes :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  36. Dominican Passports
    April 14, 2016

    Can’t say nothing bad about this one now can’t we? :idea: Unless we probably do some research on that company :twisted: :twisted:

    • .............
      April 14, 2016

      Except that local engineering firms are struggling to stay alive, while lots of fathers can’t properly maintain their families. What about that…

    • educator
      April 15, 2016

      That is what I have been doing . I cannot seem to find the company in Barbados yellow pages.. can someone help…..please

  37. holla
    April 14, 2016

    Afee are you going to stop the project like you tried with the gardens wall?

  38. Me
    April 14, 2016

    Seeing is believing. I hope this project really materializes before the river washes out more of the northern bank of the Roseau river and inundates Pottersville during the coming rainy season. We do need this one to succeed.

    • Chance
      April 14, 2016

      Support your comment 100%, been saying this for the past months that if the rainy season starts and the river is not properly dredged not only portesville but the entire city might suffer , God forbid

    • Barbara Saunders
      April 14, 2016

      Me

      Thanks for the positive outlook!

      You are what you think, that’s why when I read some of the comments here I really would not like to even meet these people physically, far less have a conversation with them!

      • Face the Facts
        April 15, 2016

        You are correct. It is pathetic. Too many negative ones who consistently criticize. It is as if they do not want anything good for Dominica, for Roseau and are hoping for the worst.

    • Face the Facts
      April 14, 2016

      Are you wishing? You are not a patriotic Dominican with a good vision for Dominica, Roseau for that matter.

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