Multi-Million Dollar Hurricane Lenny Aid Package

Contact: John Emmanuel

Friday, August 10, 2001 - The northern town of Gros Islet and the scenic south-western town of Soufriere, are receiving further assistance in their recovery efforts following the ravages of Hurricane Lenny in November of 1999.

The latest aid package amounting to US $5.1 million comes via an agreement signed between the US Government and the OECS. Approximately US$2 million of that amount will be disbursed here in St. Lucia. The rest of the money will go towards the recovery effort in Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica.

Under the multi-million dollar recovery project, key sea defense systems and the construction of selected sections of coastal highways and roads will take place in Gros Islet and Soufriere, the two areas hardest hit by Hurricane Lenny. The recovery project will also include the development of a Coastal Management Plan for St. Lucia and Antigua, together with specialized training for engineers, architects and the like, in the design and maintenance of sea defense systems.

Under the initiative 400 thousand US dollars in credit will be made available to small and micro-businesses that experienced a downturn in economic activity as a result of Hurricane Lenny. Field assessments will by conducted by USAID to identify appropriate lending institutions through which the grant funds can be made available. 

The local component will focus specifically on building and repairing sea walls, roads and sidewalks in Soufriere and Gros Islet. The works will comprise the construction of shoreline enhancement and drainage works in Gros Islet and a tender pier, wetland, scour protection and road rehabilitation works in Soufriere.

Contracts for the work in Gros Islet have since been awarded to C.O. Williams Construction Limited while contracts for the work in Soufriere have been awarded to Dipcon Engineering Services Limited.

MP for Soufriere and Minister for Planning, Development, Housing and Environment Honourable Dr. Walter Francois and other officials from the respective firms, gathered in Soufriere on Friday August 10, 2001 to sign the contracts. 

Works associated with both contracts are scheduled to start in three weeks time.

-ends-

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2001 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.