Over $120 Million for New Road Development Project

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Tuesday, May 22, 2001 – The Government of Saint Lucia has initiated a 5-year Roads Development Programme (RDP) for the entire island, through which approximately 116 kilometres of primary and secondary roads will be rehabilitated.  The project will also involve institutional strengthening in the administration and management of the Road Sector.

The RDP was conceptualised some two years ago by the Ministries of Planning and Communications and Works, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank and will cost close to 120 million dollars. Sixty two percent of that amount is being financed by the government through an approved loan from the Caribbean Development Bank with the remainder coming from local funds. 

Some of the primary roads that will be rehabilitated and improved under this programme include the East Coast Road extending from the Cul De Sac valley in the north to Vieux Fort in the south, the south and south west coast roads from Vieux Fort in the south to Soufriere in the west, the La Toc Road and the Morne Road in Castries. 

Several secondary roads will also get attention.  These include roads in Grande Riviere, Monier and La Croix in the north; Deglos, Trois Piton, Grande Ravine, and La Resource in Dennery; Augier, Derrisseaux, Piaye and Saltibus in the south.

The Road Development Programme will reconstruct and improve the more heavily trafficked roads and expand others to open up new areas to residential and economic development.  Other benefits include improved travel conditions, reduction in traffic congestion and travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, improved road safety and improved commercial routes between supplier and retailer thus fostering trade and employment.

The initial phase of the Roads Development Programme will commence in August 2001 and will address the roads from Vieux Fort to Soufriere.  On May 17, 2001, Ministry officials held a community consultation with residents of Soufriere and Choiseul on issues regarding the implementation of the initial phase of the road network improvement plan.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is also currently involved in an Origin/Destination survey to calculate traffic flows that would make use of a planned by-pass road, east of the city Castries.

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