The Government of Dominica has successfully completed Lot 1 of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction (DVRP) East Coast Road Rehabilitation Project, aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents along the East Coast. Initiated in November 2020, this project, managed by SOTRADOM Ltd., was initially budgeted at over XCD 126.8 million.
Lot 1 - Bois Diable to Castle Bruce
Lot 1, which spans 10 kilometers from Bois Diable to Castle Bruce, involved comprehensive upgrades. The scope of works for Lot 1 following reassessment featured the rehabilitation and widening of the pavement to a standard width of 6.5 meters, the replacement of 77 culverts ranging in size from 1.2m to 3m, and the construction of 15 retaining walls, complemented by the installation of 20 kilometers slipper drains to improve drainage and road durability.
Two bridges were also replaced, namely the L'Riviere L'Or Bridge (28m span) and the Belle Fille Bridge (33m span). Two bus stops were constructed.
Road safety measures will also include the installation of signage, reflective road studs, road markings and guard rails.
Lot 2 – Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden
Currently, Lot 2 is under construction, covering 20 kilometers from Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden through the Kalinago Territory. This phase includes the replacement of three key bridges—Castle Bruce (15m), Richmond (12m), and Pagua (27m)—along the same alignments.
The revised scope of works for Lot 2 comprises the installation of 92 culverts and the construction of 35 retaining walls, alongside an impressive 20 kilometers of kerb drains. In response to unforeseen challenges, such as adverse weather effects, the government has made necessary adjustments to the drainage structures, upgrading culvert sizes from 900mm to 1,200mm square box culverts to better manage storm water and align with the "Dominica Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020 – 2030."
Fourteen bus stops were constructed.
Road safety measures will also include the installation of signage, reflective road studs, road markings and guard rails.
East Coast Road Reassessment
Following a reassessment of the project, government sought Parliament's approval in December 2024 to secure additional funding from the World Bank to accommodate the expanded scope of work.
The revised completion date for the project is set for June 30, 2025, with an estimated overall project cost now at approximately XCD 234 million.
The benefits of this project are clear as Minister for Public Works, Public Utilities and the Digital Economy described the project as an economic highway to development. Improved infrastructure will provide residents with better access to essential services like healthcare and education. Enhanced roads will facilitate trade, tourism and promote local economic growth while contributing to safer road conditions for all users.
As the East Coast Road Rehabilitation Project progresses, it represents a significant investment in the future of the community, ensuring greater connectivity and improved living conditions for residents along the East Coast.
