THE Ministry of Infrastructure is currently undertaking the Entrepot River Slope Stabilization Project. (See picture)
The $2 million project is intended to stabilize the slopes along the Entrepot River, saving homes and properties threatened by land slippages. This project will also alleviate flooding experienced during heavy rainfall .
The project entails the construction of concrete reinforced walls along both sides of the river. To date, the walls on the southern sides are two-thirds complete. As soon as the southern side walls are completed, the focus will be shifted to the northern side.
Project Coordinator for the Hurricane Tomas Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project, Jude Regis, said that the contractor has met the standards that were outlined. He added that the project is progressing according to schedule.
Parliamentary Representative for Castries East Philip J. Pierre noted that the project has been long in coming and that residents have feared losing their homes. A number of homes including those precariously perched along the river’s edge and further inland were at risk.
The Entrepot River Slope Stabilization Project is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank under the Hurricane Tomas Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project. The award of the contract was made to Construction and Machinery Services Ltd.for $2,036,896.68 following a competitive tender process. The project commenced in early July, and will be completed over an eight-month period.