News

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica through the Ministry of the Blue & Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security signed the contract for the rehabilitation of buildings and equipment at both the Roseau and Marigot Fisheries Complex on May 31, 2021.

The project will be executed on the basis of a grant agreement between the Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Valued At approximately XCD$27 million.

“We had the price bid opening on the 18^th of May at 9 pm and that was done at the  Fort Young Hotel. We had the PS of Foreign Affairs in attendance and we had successful bidder and as a result of that the consultant will have prepared all of the contract documents that speaks to the actual scope of works, the procurement of equipment and so on that would have to be procured under the project. So is the rehabilitation of the fisheries complexes at Marigot and Roseau and also the equipping of those two facilities,” Dr. Paul stated.    

Work should commence by the end of July and the Permanent Secretary says locals will be employed on the project.

“So hoping that everything will be on stream, all documentation will be in place so we can begin. And hopefully that will help in generating the economy because one of the things the contractor intends to do is to engage local contractors for actual rehabilitative works so that means some circulation in the economy and engagement of persons for some period of time,” Dr. Paul added.

The first phase of the project, that is the removal of debris and demolition of damaged structural parts was undertaken and completed in March 2021 by the ministry as part of its contribution. Some of the works which will be undertaken are the rehabilitation of the Roseau Complex which includes the fishery centre building, exterior facilities and office space for fisheries division staff. Water proofing work will be done on all building at the Marigot Fisheries complex.

“We have construction work especially in Roseau, complete rehabilitation of the building and entire roofing and equipping of the building. In Marigot we have some civil works to in terms of inside of the building, water storage facilities and so on,” Mr. Defoe explained.

The Roseau Fisheries Complex is essential to fishing activities on the island, serving over three hundred (300) fishers from Scotts Head to St. Joseph while the 135 registered fishers and vendors operate from the Marigot Fisheries Complex.