BRADES – It may be 2018 before Montserrat sees significant movement in the advancement of capital projects.
According to information released during Monday’s joint press conference by Her Excellency the Governor Elizabeth Carriere and Honourable Premier Donaldson Romeo, while projects are in the works, local businesses may not see the benefit in the short term.
A new hospital for Montserrat has been agreed in principle with DFID but the relevant business cases are yet to be finalised. DFID Representative Martin Dawson told the press it is expected that within the next 12 months we will see the completion of a health financing and health function review which are key elements of the hospital project. The project would then need to go through the design and tender process.
Currently not finalised is the location of the hospital but Little Bay is the preferred option for it, Discover Montserrat has learned.
The A-1 Road project which would see all roads up to New Windward resurfaced is under review. Procurement for the 21 million dollar project is scheduled to begin in 2016 with completion of road works by 2019.
A purpose-built ferry is to be procured in 2016. DFID believes the ferry would then be in use in 2018.
There is an additional 21 million earmarked for capital projects including housing and drainage. Elements of this project, the premier said could start in the near future but no definitive timeline has been given.
Premier Romeo also revealed that the planned hotel project for Rendezvous Bay is on hold while land litigation issues are resolved.
