EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY TO OBTAIN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE ROAD REHABILITATION.

For many years the Vanard (Venus) to Anse La Raye link road has provided alternate and important access for commuters between the communities of Millet and Anse La Raye. After Hurricane Tomas in 2010 and the Christmas Eve Trough of 2013, the roadway, although still motorable, is compromised and in need of structural rehabilitation.

Through the DVRP, efforts are currently underway to engage a firm to prepare detailed designs and construction supervision services for the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the Vanard (Venus) to Anse La Raye link road. Expressions of Interest were received in early June, and evaluations are underway. The design will be done in accordance with international standards approved for climatic conditions similar to that of Saint Lucia.

The consultancy entails the designs for rehabilitation/reconstruction of approximately 8.75 kilometres of flexible and rigid pavement systems, highways and roadway and designs of associated infrastructure for highways inclusive of drains, culverts, bridges, retaining walls and stabilization of slopes, inclusive of bioengineering methods.

Importantly, the designs must incorporate climate resilience principles and standards so that the constructed roadway can withstand weather-related phenomena and is resilient to the effects of climate change. To ensure this, the selected consulting firm will be required to conduct hydrological and hydraulic assessments/analyses to inform the designs. The selected firm will also be responsible for supervising the reconstruction of the road by the selected contractor to ensure it is built to specification.

The consultancy requires that the proposed designs and construction methods allow for uninterrupted flow of traffic during the construction phase. During all stages of the assignment the consulting firm shall make all efforts to maintain full coordination with the Client – Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Energy (DIPE) - and stakeholders, including the Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation to ensure a common understanding of the assignment.

Every DVRP initiative requires stringent analysis of potential impacts on the surrounding environment and its residents. The consultancy stipulates therefore, a review and use of existing topographic and cadastral maps of the site, surroundings, and watershed for the purpose of conducting the relevant Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to inform the designs. Where existing data may be limited, the firm will undertake the necessary physical, cultural, and biological surveys.

The ESIA will determine potential impacts that may occur during the construction of the proposed works. Corresponding mitigation measures will be described in an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). Among other considerations, from an environmental perspective, the ESIA for the Venus Anse La Raye Road is mandated to assess the presence of the Saint Lucia Parrot and the Fer-de-Lance in the vicinity of the project, as well as the vegetation and trees that may be used by these species for nesting, forage, or shelter.

Water quality in streams and rivers, especially near the WASCO intake, and the runoff from the quarry near Anse La Raye must be given appropriate consideration, whilst careful attention must be paid to the existence of soft or loose soils, silts, and sands that may require special measures to stabilize them, prevent landslips, stop erosion, and prevent runoff from affecting streams and rivers. In addition to environmental impacts, the ESIA will address social impacts such as potential land encroachments or displacements as well as health and safety aspects for workers and for the nearby communities.

The DVRP looks forward to contracting the successful consulting firm before the end of 2019.

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