Plans are underway to construct a more permanent structure to replace the temporary fix to the Pond-Casse Road.
This was announced By Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for Public Works during a press conference on Thursday.
Earlier this year this area of the road underwent serious damage due to inclement weather conditions, which claimed the lives of two individuals.
The public has in recent times expressed concerns about the stability of the temporary structure. However, Hon. Blackmoore says the temporary fix was done with the promise of a more permanent structure in the new future.
The Public Works Minister says designs have been finalised, work contracts tendered and within the next few weeks, work to ensure a stronger structure will begin.
“Initially, what we did was install a temporary access or bypass. At that time, we gave the Dominican people the assurance that we would have constructed in due time a more permanent structure. We have since finalised the design for the project and the project itself has gone out to the tender process.”
The Minister says four contractors were sourced for the project, three of whom have returned their bid documents.
“We are just in the process of finalizing and selecting the actual contractor. We hope within the next four to five weeks to see actual physical work taking place in the Pond Casse area to have a more permanent structure and proper protection by way of installation of retaining walls on either side including guard rails etc.
When it is completed, the Minister says, “he hopes that it will be something like eight times in capacity to discharge any potential water that may emerge as a result of adverse weather conditions.”
Funds for the project were secured from the Caribbean Development Bank in the amount of two million dollars.