SPECIALIZED EXPERTS INCLUDING THREE DIVERS HAVE BEEN CONTRACTED TO CONDUCT THE UNDERWATER WORKS.

Work on the second phase of the John Compton Dam Rehabilitation Project—the dredging of the reservoir and transport of sediment—is set to begin in June 2019.

The announcement was made by WASCO’s representatives, as well as the contractor, VINCI Construction Maritime et Fluvial, who met with residents of Tete Chemin, Millet, Vanard, Jacmel, and environs during a town hall style meeting at the Millet Infant School on April 14.

The meeting was necessary to alert residents about the hauling of heavy equipment through their communities in preparation for the John Compton Dam rehabilitation works.

Project Manager for the John Compton Dam project (phase two), David Ferrao of VINCI Construction Maritime et Fluvial disclosed that the suction dredge which will be used to de-silt the John Compton Dam is already enroute to Saint Lucia from Europe. It is expected to arrive at Port Castries by April 30.

Once the equipment arrives on island, a total of fourteen trailer trucks will be used over a five-day period to transport the heavy dredging equipment from Port Castries to the John Compton Dam. Assembling of the marine equipment will then take place.

Specialized experts including three divers have been contracted to conduct the under-water works. The crew will be responsible for the removal of woody debris from the reservoir among other responsibilities.

Permanent onshore pipelines will also be laid from the reservoir to the sediment disposal area in preparation for the suction dredging.

Meanwhile, Head of the Project Management Unit of WASCO, Mr Gordon Wyke, presented a status report on phase one of the project—the construction of the sediment disposal area. The works are being undertaken by Mega Contracting Inc., a local construction company. The John Compton Dam project (phase one), began in May 2018 but the works have been hindered due to heavy rains specifically during the last quarter of 2018. Once completed, the sediment disposal area will be used to dispose of the sediment from the reservoir when the dredging phase begins in June. Therefore, preparations are well advanced for the commencement of phase two of the project.

The Water and Sewerage company (WASCO), requests the co-operation of all residents and commuters in the area to ensure that the planned traffic management plan causes minimum inconvenience.