Dominica: Dr Roosevelt Skerrit – The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, paid a brief visit to the International Airport under construction in Wesley constituency on Thursday. He was accompanied by a number of media personnel during the tour and shared insights and updates regarding the project.
According to the updates, while addressing the media about the construction status of the international airport, he expressed deep optimism and happiness about the project’s completion along with the developing parties involved in its construction.
Prime Minister Skerrit also recognized the exceptional work done by the airport developers and all the engineers associated with the project. He stated that the engaged parties had completed similar large-scale projects on time before as well and that he has full confidence in their ability and past experience, which they are using wisely in this project.
At the construction site, several offices and residences for the workers have been built as it would come in handy more during the full swing of the construction process once the concrete bashing point is ready, said Prime Minister.
The government of Dominica has full confidence in the International Airport Project as it is among the biggest project of the nation under progress. In addition, he also cited that the current project is one of its kind at such a large scale; he mentioned that he has a deep belief that the project is on the right track as it was started and hoping for the anticipated results after its completion.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has considered all the legal and technical requirements as the priority of Dominica’s government. Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for consultations have been playing a vital role in meeting all the project requirements.
A construction project of such high magnitude and investment is undoubtedly a lifetime opportunity for the country. From day one, it has been ensured by the feasibility study undertaken by the American firm at several sites, after which they recommended this site as the most favourable for the construction, said PM Roosevelt Skerrit.
In his remarks, he also clarified that the estimated project cost touched EC$ 1.3 billion, further ensuring that the heavy machinery, equipment and other resources used in the project are of a high standard. The mentioned cost is directly related to the construction progress and falls outside the land acquisition.
Moreover, PM Skerrit took it to discuss the various facilities available at the International Airport and recalled the time of the Covid-19 pandemic as the Douglas Charles Airport needed a full-fledged quarantine facility, following which a warehouse was set up at the airport. He also said that he decided to add a health centre to the airport facility to deal with such emergency situations in a better way.
The locals and natives are also getting employment opportunities following the construction of the massive project in different fields, such as hospitality and agriculture. The workers associated with the project produce the need for edibles in large quantities, which boosts the earnings of shopkeepers.
The International Airport construction is expected to be completed in the anticipated time, said PM Skerrit. Such a large-scale project, one of its kind on the island nation, would also assist in a smooth transition into a tourism-targeted economy.
As per the sources, the airport will connect direct flights to the United States, Europe and other big parts of the globe. The flights will host thousands of passengers along with the capability to host long-haul flights.
