Blackmoore outlines road projects in 2012

Minister of Public Works Rayburn Blackmoore

The Construction of the Edward Oliver Highway or the West Coast road extending from Roseau to Portsmouth has been described as a major achievement for the Ministry of Public Works in 2012.

Public works Minister Rayburn Blackmoore told the Government Information Service (GIS) said that this was one of the major infrastructural achievements over the last twelve months.

He said the construction of the highway shows the strong bond that exists between Dominica and China.

“The west coast road in itself is symbolic of a tremendous relationship that has been entered between the Government of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China. We all would appreciate that what we are seeing on the ground now is the final product that is above all,” Blackmoore stated.

The minister pointed out that finishing touches to the road are continuing. “We are still seeing the continuation of works in terms of putting safety measures in place including reflectors in the centre of the road. We are also ensuring that the integrity of the surface area of the road is maintained for a long period of time by applying concrete to the road edges,” he pointed out.

The Minister continued that phase two of the Melville Hall airport Road is also worthy of mention.

“The Melville Hall Airport road improvement phase one extending from Canefield to Pond Case continued in earnest in 2012. We are now seeing work ongoing on phase two from Pond Case to Marigot manifesting itself,” he pointed out.

The minister also pointed to the Pointe Mitchel Sea Defence wall project which he describes as another major accomplishment of his Ministry.

“Try to imagine were it not for the intervention of this administration what you would have been driving on. People’s lives would have been in continued jeopardy at the mercies of the seas, that is no more and what is left to be done is to build vending booths in the area of Hollywood. We have finalized the design and we are now having discussion with the persons who will be using those booths to see the designs,” he stated.

The Public Works Minister also revealed that the Grand Fond road also received attention in 2012 with the second phase of that project is currently ongoing.

“We have started the second phase of that project. We are spending in totality $1.2 million dollars on this project. That is something that the Government is very excited about because the people of Grand Fond for a long period of time have exercised patience and tolerance,” he noted.

Also making the list of major achievement of the Public works Ministry in 2012 is the rehabilitation of the Delices, Eggleston and Petite Savanne roads at an accumulated cost of 3.2 million dollars.

Notwithstanding the major projects undertaken by the Ministry of Public works in 2012, the Minister is of the view that road maintenance will remain a priority.

“We are of the view that we still have to continue maintaining our roads in the rural areas and other parts of the country,” Blackmoore said.

The Public Works minister said one of the areas that has been challenging for his Ministry has been the Lalay Cocoa area which is considered to be a highly traversed area. This section of road extends from the intersection of the Mc Millan Gas station to the entrance of the Pointe Mitchel sea defense wall. “Government is spending $1.7million dollars on that project,” Blackmoore revealed.

He said work on that project is advanced. “In the main the surfacing has been complete. What is left to be done is in the intersection of Grandbay going back into the first speed bump before you approach the sea defense wall in Pointe Mitchel.  We are also going to ensure that the entrance leading into Wall House is properly paved. Another very interesting component of that project is the installation of concrete drainage and curbs. It is important for us to put mitigating measures in place to safeguard against the eroding of the surface of the road,” Blackmoore explained.

The Minister confirmed that these projects along with surfacing and maintenance of a number of village and feeder roads is in keeping with Government’s greater plan of bringing about an effective road network across the country.

“We have said that we are going to proceed with the effort of improving our road network by 2020. So far we are doing well,” he said.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

51 Comments

  1. Caroline Fuller
    May 13, 2019

    Great to see 20th Street upper canfield done Many Thanks

  2. Caroline Fuller
    May 13, 2019

    Great to see 20th Street upper candied downndown Thanks

  3. Anonymous
    January 8, 2013

    “Also making the list of major achievement of the Public works Ministry in 2012 is the rehabilitation of the Delices, Eggleston and Petite Savanne roads at an accumulated cost of 3.2 million dollars.”

    PETITE SAVANNE??? Are you for real Mr. Blackmore?? Tell me this was an error in your statement, because your administration has NEGLECTED the people of the Petite Savanne Constituency on a whole. I dare you to take a drive from Geneva to Pointe Mulatre right now and see for yourself, which road benefited from the 3.2 million dollars you’re talking about.

    Dr. Darroux, please come out and set Mr. Blackmore straight.

    DNO, I will send you some pics.

  4. roughcake
    January 7, 2013

    What about the roads in Roseau Mr. Blackmore?
    They are disgraceful.Roseau is where most of the cruise ship passengers,business people,
    dignitaries visit. What an eyesore.

  5. Nacinimod
    January 7, 2013

    I must confess I am extremely disappointed in the so-called E.O. Leblanc Highway. The bottle neck in Mahaut and Massacre was not addressed.

    Furthermore, there are no sidewalks for pedestrians nor break-down lanes for motorists; much less for “look-out points” where drivers/tourists can stop, take a refreshment break and enjoy the scenic views that nature has blessed us with.

  6. tutunee
    January 7, 2013

    dont forge the geneva to pt savanne;; one of all u stronghole all u just forget the pple on that side;; election time all u will come and block one or to holes;; zore k sarve!

  7. B_Arch
    January 7, 2013

    This blackmoore guy comes and speak of friendship symbol, what has it gained the Dominican people? when we were not employed! the money went back China, in the next 3 years the road is going to need renovation again then what? another loan from the Chinese who are going to come back to take the same money. these projects only serve China and if you as a minister had any knowledge or the intuition learn about international construction issues you would have known that those type of agreements are what have contributed to the globalization effects of social unrest, vandalism, discontent etc. but you have no apparent interest in the people of Dominica who are unemployed and fleeing the country. i guess it makes space for the haitians who could careless what the government does.

  8. Anonymous
    January 7, 2013

    this project is a renovation project blackmoore, one which was poorly conceptualized and executed. the acceptance of mediocre work reflects and the people that represent our country. the profile of the road was not fixed and therefore this road maintains the uneven undulating surface. he speaks of concrete edges, concrete is an artificial rock and without a base against a flexible material as asphalt and the heavy trucks traveling upon it everyday it’s going to be forced aside. now had a minister who had any form of training in engineering or construction knowledge would understand those things. these guys are running ministries that they have no knowledge or experience in, yet when we as graduated professional seek jobs we are obligated to prove that we are knowledgeable and capable in the field of practice. why isn’t those same standards held for the ones responsible for governing those ministries?

  9. Anonymous
    January 7, 2013

    first of all this was E.O. Leblanc Highway is not a new construction but a renovation project why does the minister refer to it as being a new project?

  10. Tommy Jack
    January 6, 2013

    With all these road projects, where is the funding to resurface the kingshill road? why does the palrep continue to ignore this area.

  11. ..............
    January 6, 2013

    Mr Blackmore why is Skerrit afraid of the IPO?

  12. dissident
    January 6, 2013

    I am no fool Mr Minister.

    U only making passive mention of de Pond Case to Melville hall Road. The contract should have been completed
    June 2012. Then u said the contractor needs more time and u promised that the road would be complete about de ending or December. U didn’t mention the new deadline.
    WHEN will dat road be complete? U have no clue right? I thought so.
    And I suppose that the contractor will not pay any penalties either right? Our treasury could use that money in these hard economic times that our PM talk about.

  13. mr p
    January 6, 2013

    do u know what is a highway blackmore?

  14. Jay
    January 6, 2013

    The efforts of the People’s Republic of China and the Public Works Department of the Dominican government is very much appreciated in regards to the Portsmouth highway. However, the roads from Pond Case through Belles into Marigot is going to be a total failure.
    1. The previous roads built by Duncan in the 1960’s withstood the continuous heavy rains.
    2. They dug the roads foundation and placed heavy Blue Mahaut before,adding rocks and then tarrish that covered the Blue Mahaut and then the top finishing touches.

    Today the roads in the Belles area, especially,where heavy rains and floods are very common, were
    1. Dugged, the Blue Mahaut removed, tarish was just dumped and flattened.
    3. The edges of the roads, namely the runoff drains were just placed on the tarish.
    Mr. Blackmore, I have lived in this area for a considerably amount of time to know you do not just place tarish and seal. We need a foundation because the constant water will and already is washing away the tarish and drains. The roads need some substantial structure before the tarish and seal. I am going to say I told you so pretty soon come April when the heavy rains begin.

    • Anonymous
      January 7, 2013

      Another armchair engineer

  15. Discombobulated
    January 6, 2013

    Dominicans are so ungrateful, greedy and never satisfied. That is not without sayig there is a lot to do on the island but what a bunch of greedy people. Everyone here have to say what about this? What about that? Want want want. Why don’t we just abandon Dominica and buy Martinique and Guadeloupe from France? In fact why stop there? Lets buy the Americas instead. We cannot maintain Dominica small as it is but they always want more. Get me angry, kmt. Sometimes the govt wastes money, I can admit that. But alas, they doing slowly but surely, let them continue then. One at a time. Dcns want everything, every time, all the time. If that’s the case, ask for increased taxes or voluntarily donate money towards certain projects then. Dominica is a poor nation, and theittle tax being collected cannot do much, and ill repeat that the govt is wasteful at times with money. On things like the palace for example. But is one at a time. I know our mothers raised us better than that. Jeez

  16. )(
    January 6, 2013

    The most corrupt and lawless government ever to lead this country.

  17. Anonymous
    January 5, 2013

    Mr.Blackmoore I heard you said the road Pond Case to Melvill Hall will completed December 2012 whats the delay Mr. Blackmoore?Am ancious to see the completion of this road.I have been listen to you for the past years I havent heard you given an accurate date.

  18. God's way
    January 5, 2013

    Please don’forget Savanne Paille, tha village is too small to be neglected like that. thank you

  19. 4Eva Tru
    January 5, 2013

    who says speeding causes accidents?hmm.
    learn this:
    low and over inflated tires
    tires with little traction.have you ever look at a tire of a vehicle before you jump in? No i guess.
    poor handling with bad steering ends.
    drivers who panic when they drive, but still wants to drive and claim they can drive.
    drunk drivers.
    drivers who is slow at making quick decisions,cause they still counting words while reading.their brains are slow.
    opposite drivers drive with their bright lights and refuse to dim, so disrespectful of you all dominicans. you all just plain wicked and evil.
    Always driving in the middle of the road never holding their sides.
    i will stop there cause there are many more

  20. IluvmyPm
    January 5, 2013

    One more thing stop making a mockery of e o Leblanc
    Name he had zero corruption

    • 4Eva Tru
      January 5, 2013

      What does that have to do with a reconstructed road>

  21. PoKeSa
    January 5, 2013

    What about Roseau capital city? Why the neglect of such and iconic city? When will the Gov’t of D/ca sort out this mess?

    • Anonymous
      January 6, 2013

      Lets not get carried away -I would and could not describe Roseau as a city, and iconic -famous and legendary -how.

  22. Soul Sista
    January 5, 2013

    what about the completion of the pond casse to Melville Hall was due in 2012.

    • January 5, 2013

      Raymond Blackmore is desperate because he’s looking to be elected to office next election but because they have been pulling the rug under the peoples feet they can say whatever they want and get away with it he knows the folks will not stand up to them.The road is not half way done muchless reaching Melville Hall in a hurry.
      Election is in the air politians are out they are giving hand outs to get back in office,what happened last year why wasn’t the work done.

  23. Truth be told
    January 5, 2013

    Well well well you know that Dominica has hit rock bottom when the resurfacing of an existing road (the main road linking the two main towns since colonisation) is now considered a major achievement for Government! What then is Government for?

    • truth
      January 6, 2013

      Lol so true they make it sound like it’s ground breaking stuff. That is what government is suppose to do for it’s country to ensure people can go to work, keep good moving so that the country can be productive. Why are are they pounding their chest like they did the citizens a favour. That’s the role of government no matter which administration is running the place. Dominica will stay the same as long as we have folks that think like that in power…. small minded glass half empty dudes..

  24. Anonymous
    January 5, 2013

    Good job but i must say that more regulations n police patrols r needed to avoid weekly accidents. D/a only have less that 70,000 plp n less than 40,000 men. if every week one dies or crippled as a result of fast driving or an accident, guess how many plp we will have as a result. Women longer make children as they used to back in the days. they are now career minded plp. So less men will b available to women, men will have more than one women bc they think they r doing them a favor. So mr minister plz put help reckless drivers keep themselves safe.

    • 4Eva Tru
      January 5, 2013

      who says speeding causes accidents?hmm.
      learn this:
      low and over inflated tires
      tires with little traction.have you ever look at a tire of a vehicle before you jump in? No i guess.
      poor handling with bad steering ends.
      drivers who panic when they drive, but still wants to drive and claim they can drive.
      drunk drivers.
      drivers who is slow at making quick decisions,cause they still counting words while reading.their brains are slow.
      opposite drivers drive with their bright lights and refuse to dim, so disrespectful of you all dominicans. you all just plain wicked and evil.
      Always driving in the middle of the road never holding their sides.
      i will stop there cause there are many more

    • laba 2
      January 5, 2013

      With the 90 patrol bikes the police will get from china it is projected that the highways will be well patrolled and a decrease in accidents should be visible.

  25. ROSEAU VALLEY
    January 5, 2013

    Mr. Minister, no road in Dominica qualifies under the definition of a “High Way”. The west coast road may be a symbol of the relationship between the Government of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China but is is not a high way. The road was only resurfaced, lanes painted and reflectors added. Not being critical- it is a good government initiated project and serves us well.

    Perhaps for different reasons, the Roads to Wotten Waven and Morne Prosper appear to be posing diferent problems to the Minister as no mention is made of the long delayed rehabilitation of the these roads, which will be highlighted as re-election projects for Collin.

    We are patiently waiting.

    Respectfully
    Roseau valley

    • lol!
      January 6, 2013

      HIGHWAY -definition.

      *a main road, especially one between towns or cities. – Dictionary.com

      *a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities – Oxford dictionary.

      *a public way; especially : a main direct road
      – Merriam Webster Dictionary.

      I hope your not a teacher lol!

      • Malgraysa
        January 7, 2013

        I agree. As much as I respect Roseau Valley’s legal opinions he probably is less familiar with road structures. He may, erroneously be referring to the motorways in Europe – or interstate roads in the U.S.A., which the O.E. Leblanc highway is not.

      • Anonymous
        January 7, 2013

        Conceded: definition to acknowledge as being true, just, or proper; to admit that I am wrong.

        I am glad that you hold me to account. Thanks

        Respectfully
        Roseau valley

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        January 7, 2013

        Conceded: Definition- to acknowledge as being true, just, or proper; to admit. that I am wrong.
        Thanks for holding me to account when I am wrong. Appreciated! However, you don’t have to be so rude and wish that I am not a teacher. No need for that.

        In fact, I did further research and learnt that a highway in its traditional definition could be any public pathway used by people, bicycles, motorcars, carriages or even horses as long as it facilitates movement from one public place to another. Usually a highway facilitates free flowing, speedy traffic, with limited stop signs or traffic lights and usually has multiple lanes with opposing traffic separated by lines, barriers and /or grass.

        So indeed, we have several highways in Dominica. I was wrong. The PM and Tony can learn a lot from a dummy. Sometimes we can be wrong and we have to admit it.

        Respectfully
        Roseau valley

      • Nacinimod
        January 8, 2013

        Words evolve and highway is one of them. Internet Super Highway comes to mind.

        The definitions of highway you cite above are true in a historical sense.But a highway in today’s parlance is generally meant to be a multiple lane motorable road, with no obstructions such as signal lights, except for the ocasional toll booth.

        My two cents.

  26. cottage
    January 5, 2013

    blackmore we need someone like you to represent us in the north..it’s a shame

  27. ????????????
    January 5, 2013

    Stuppesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. Man stop the garble. You are being paid to do a job, go and do it, and do it properly. You are not granting Dominica and/or Dominicans a favour when you resurface a road. Stop the nonsense.If this failed regime was MAMO (Miss Charles) who constructed new roads, wonder how much you would garble or bay gay yeah or get confused in your speech while beating your chest.

  28. Malgraysa
    January 5, 2013

    Hon. Mr. Blackmoore, What happened to the Ponte Case -Hatton Garden Road. After a third extension you made a lot of noise that it would be complete by the end of 2012. Well, new year come and gone and nothing I’m hearing about that project. If you had been able to meet your deadline I’m sure we would have a big ceremony with the P.M. and the President. But everything quiet, not a word. What’s happening? Have we run out of money again perhaps?

  29. Lougaoo Mem
    January 5, 2013

    I am very happy with the road projects that you’ve spoken about. But to stress that, “Try to imagine that were it not for the intervention of this administration what would you have been driving on”. It’s a joke and an insult to our intelligence! Mr Blackmore, it’s the duties and reponsibilities of the government to do all what you alluded to Sir. That’s what the tax-payers receive in return for the high taxes they pay on fuel etc, etc. And that’s what you are paid to do. You sound like the administration is granting the nation a favour, and that’s ludicrous. But again that’s how you fellas operate. While you talk about road surfacing, I have one burning question. What has the Grand Bay community done to your government, that the village main road has never been resurfaced for decades? You continue to take our votes for granted and that’s a mistake on your part. Eventhough the Parl Rep has no vision to lead, or direction in helping the people, the time is coming when we shall take no more. Grand Bay gets a giant green building to lock-up our youths, and nothing else. We are not happy about the way you are treating us. You check?

  30. Dominican man
    January 5, 2013

    Dominica’s first premiere was Edward Oliver Leblanc, affectionately called E.O. Leblanc. If you all want to name the road after this most distinguished gentleman, please give the road the gentleman’s full name; The Edward OLiver Leblanc or E.O. Leblanc Highway and not Edward Oliver Highway, unless ofcourse this is an typographical error by DNO.

    I also want to point out that it is not a newly built road. It is a newly rehabilitated road.

    I want to thank the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica for negotiating with the Government of the People’s Republic of China to rehabilitate the road.

    • Anonymous
      January 5, 2013

      no disrespect but the name is too long so thats y they have shortened it. but everyone knows is E O Leblanc.

      • Jay
        January 5, 2013

        Personally I would have preferred the Edward Leblanc Highway but aren’t we splitting hairs here?

  31. 4u2C
    January 5, 2013

    Boss thanks for the RESURFACING of the road but that is nothing new. Mamo resurfaced Roseau to Portmouth and had the Canadians do the MArigot to P/mth road. You guys have not built ONE new road. It is the same old network road. ALL the feeder roads are DEAD!! Donkey and cows no longer want to walk on the feeder roads. The farming industry is in the cemetry because the young folks in 2012 does not see it make any sense to be carrying coconut and Dasheen and other produce on their heads for miles, NOT in 2012 when in 1980-1995 they had tranport and feeder roads to take care of their produce. Blackmore, you guys are useless!! Young in age but old in ideas, lack the ability to perform, uncreative, stagnant, regressive in mind and LACK forsight!! After your roads then you all will have smooth ride to bury more D/cans ..get in the Hearse business!! Dominicans NEED JOBS!!! MOr roads more jobs!! NOt jobs for the chinese, dominicans need to EAT too..!!

    • Truth Seeker
      January 5, 2013

      I agree with you, especially when you talk about the lack of foresight. Any credible government or politician to be MUST know that the main thrust for Dominica’s development is rooted in agriculture.

      Dominicans! Any aspiring politician who for election 2015 does not CLEARLY articulate a comprehensive plan for energizing the agricultural sector will be fooling you. Our rich volcanic soil is Dominica’s most valuable asset.

      • IPO
        January 6, 2013

        lol…how long we have been saying this and all the countries that took a different route are way ahead of us.

        Maybe if we keep repeating it people like truth seeker will start planting dasheen.

  32. Family Guy!
    January 5, 2013

    and what about the Petite Soufriere – Rosalie link road?? allu have caterpillars parked taking rain and sun, and just folling the poor Petite Soufriere people..when election near by guess you all will start digging dirt again, to blind them..

    • Jay
      January 5, 2013

      Very valid observation. Is more than three years now thet promised that road, just to take the wind out o0f the sails of Bernard Wiltshire. Three years to build a little road like that. I guess they take out their symbolic shovels again just in time for next election.

  33. love
    January 5, 2013

    PLEASE REMEMBER THE ROAD FROM CASTLE BRUSE TO PETITE SOUFRIERE ALAH PLEASE HELP THESE PEOPLE, LAYOU HAVE ENOUGH SAND TO GIVE THEM A CONCRETTE ROAD WITH PROPER DRAIN, I’M LOOKING

    • Shameless
      January 6, 2013

      Tell that to Johno. He forget the people after they vote for him but god is good all the time and all the time god is good. Election will come again and I know they waiting for him.

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available