The Philip J. Pierre administration has declared that the long-anticipated Administrative Centre in Vieux Fort will soon be erected.
In April 2016, a Sod Turning ceremony was held signaling government’s intention to build the EC$64 million, 75,000-square-foot administrative complex in Beanfield, Vieux Fort to provide critical services to residents in the south of the island.
The project was to be funded by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
But the project never saw the light of day as construction was stopped in 2017 by the United Workers Party administration which took office in 2016.
However, on Monday, at a press briefing, Prime Minister Pierre announced that the project is scheduled to commence next year.
“Construction of the Administrative Complex, in Vieux Fort, is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025,” PM Pierre told reporters.
He emphasised the serious repercussions of the stoppage, revealing that millions were already spent on laying the foundation which led to ongoing legal complications.
“The Vieux Fort Complex is another promise of my administration that is being fulfilled, and I made it clear at the last Budget Debate that we will resume construction,” Pierre said.
He expressed satisfaction that final arrangements are now in place to proceed decisively with construction, noting that, “The government will retain the original design for the complex, which will include a theater for cultural events in Vieux Fort.”
PM Pierre also highlighted consultations he had with the Member of Parliament (MP) for Vieux Fort South, Dr. Kenny Anthony, who has vigorously advocated for the construction of the complex.
Dr. Anthony is understandably pleased that the government is finally moving forward with this vital project.
The construction will be executed under the BOLT (Built Operated Leased and Transferred) arrangement, facilitated by the NIC through its subsidiary, National Insurance Property Development and Management Company Limited (NIPRO). The NIC has acquired the land for the project, previously occupied by The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO).
With the rapid acceleration of economic activity in Vieux Fort, PM Pierre asserted that the complex will be instrumental in providing essential government services to southern residents. He also noted that the complex will serve as a venue for conferences and business activities, aligning with the ongoing expansion in the south.
Dr. Anthony has previously stated the necessity for equity in development across the country, insisting that investments should not be disproportionately concentrated in the north. He asserted that, “While this investment takes place in Vieux Fort, I trust that NIC will soon focus on other towns, such as Soufriere and the rapidly developing Gros Islet, for strategic investments.”
He emphasised that other nations have successfully decentralized basic services, and it’s time for Saint Lucia to do the same, despite its size.