by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service
The Government of Dominica in conjunction with DOWASCO has jointly launched the much awaited North-West Coast Water and Sewerage Project with the commissioning of a consultancy to undertake the Feasibility Study and Designs followed by construction supervision of contract works. The Consultant, Hydroplan of Germany has already set up offices in Portsmouth and commenced operations. Initially the consultants will be engaged with extensive surveys and investigations, data collections, etc. A contract to this effect was signed between the Consultant and the National Authorising officer on behalf of the Government of Dominica on the 22nd of January 09.
DOWASCO Sewage plant
The Government of Dominica and DOWASCO are grateful to the European Union for its commitment to fund the water and sewerage project to the tune of EC$ 23 Million. This project is yet another major milestone in the continuing development cooperation between the European Union and Dominica.
The project will benefit all communities from Salisbury to Capuchin. This is the first integrated Water System among the upgrading initiatives of DOWASCO, and will be established to serve the communities along the Northwest coast. Under this initiative it is intended that all communities in the project area will be supplied by a single integrated water system which will source water from two or more water sources. This initiative will improve the reliability of the system, and will provide a consistently high quality of water and reduced interruptions to the water supply. The system capacity will be boosted to be able to meet the demands of all developments in the project area including identified future developments. Also for the first time in Dominica and for DOWASCO a comprehensive water treatment system providing for sedimentation, filtration and disinfection as minimum standards will be incorporated in the project. It is also intended to examine the feasibility of generating hydroelectricity by installing mini hydropower plants at strategic locations in the system.
Section of the West Coast Road
The provision of sewerage services to Portsmouth and the environs is a major step in the overall development of Portsmouth and in protecting the natural and living environment of the communities in the Portsmouth area. This service will be extended to other communities in the project area under future programmes.
The Government and DOWASCO is soliciting the total support and cooperation of the communities in the project area towards the successful implementation of the project. In particular, their support and assistance is required by the Project Consultants, Hydroplan, who have already established offices in Portsmouth. Consultants of multiple disciplines will be working in these offices and in the process liaising with Government officials, the Town Council and other local government authorities in the project area, community and business leaders, seeking assistance and opinions on matters relating to the project. Government is fully confident that there will be overwhelming cooperation with the consultants in this regard. |
