According to Agriculture Minister Roland Royer, the lives of several families involved in agriculture, fisheries and tourism in Dominica will be positively impacted following the recent signing of eleven contracts for restoration work. The contracts were awarded to several major local firms and individuals undertaking critical renovation and construction projects across the island.
He made the disclosure during the contract signing ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre.
According to a previous release by the department, this is the continued implementation of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods & Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP)— a landmark initiative aimed at restoring agricultural livelihoods and building climate resilience for farmers and fisherfolk affected by Hurricane Maria.
Funded by the World Bank with a budget of US$25 million, the EALCRP is a vital part of Dominica’s long-term strategy for recovery and sustainability in agriculture.
“These investments totaling 5.2 million-dollars [represent] just a portion of the significant effort being made towards the development and modernization of Dominica’s agricultural sector.”
He pointed out that two notable contracts signed were for the rehabilitation of segments 4 and 11 of the Waitukubuli National Trail, valued at 1.1 million-dollars.
“The WNT is a key tourism product drawing overnight visitors and boosting local economies,” Royer stated.
He also made mention of an Animal Feed Mixing Plant in the north of the island, near the Longhouse Port.
“This facility will help reduce feed cost and fill supply gaps, directly supporting our livestock farmers,” he stated. “We are also issuing contracts today for the procurement of irrigation supplies worth approximately $700,000, a vital investment in our efforts to climate proof vegetable production, and ensure a consistent supply of fresh vegetables.”
The project supports the National Agricultural Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025, and is structured around four key pillars, Restoration of Agricultural Livelihoods, Infrastructure and Institutional Strengthening, Enhancing Climate Resilience, and Effective Project Management and Coordination.
“It’s indeed a pleasure to be part of today’s ceremony bearing witness to the signing of eleven contracts that will positively impact the lives of many families involved in agriculture, fisheries, and the tourism sectors,” Royer said.
List of contract awards
1. Rehabilitation of the Waitukubuli National Trail – Segments 4 and 11
Contractor: OYO Construction Ltd.
2. Improvement Works at Newtown & Fond Cole Fish Landing Sites
Contractor: CORISAV Inc.
3. Development of Portsmouth Feed Mixing Plant
Contractor: CORISAV Inc.
Contract Value: XCD 0.38 million
4. Materials for Boat Building
Contractor: Auto Trade Ltd.
5. Design & Build – Rehabilitation/Construction of Boat Slipways at Stowe, Scott’s Head, and San Sauveur
Contractor: Regional Contractors Inc.
6. Refurbishment of DEXIA Multipurpose Pack-Houses
– Roseau Facility: ADA Trucking Services
– Portsmouth Facility: Dusty’s Construction
7. Irrigation Equipment and Supplies
Contractors: DOWASCO, Natural Farming, T-MAX
8. Supply of Lumber for WNT Rehabilitation
Contractor: Maxroy Trading Ltd.