BRADES – Martin Dawson, Head of the Department for International Development (DfID) office on Montserrat said his office and their counterparts in London are committed to getting projects approved and implemented.
During the Wednesday, April 8, 2015 press briefing at the Governor’s Office, Dawson said they were very conscious of the slow down in the local economy over the past 12 months and every effort was being made to have projects approved ready for implementation.
Dawson said the drilling of a third geothermal well has been approved and the tender documents are being prepared. He added that work is also ongoing on the design surface work which will allow a smooth transition from the drilling phase, which is to take place over 12 months.
The DfID official added that within the next week or so, the paperwork to tender for fibre optic connectivity for Montserrat to Antigua and St. Kitts should be ready.
The new hospital business case is anticipated to be ready by June 2015. Dawson said both local and UK technicians are working to make this happen, given the importance of the project.
Also being looked at is a business case for infrastructural projects to include, sewerage, drainage, road works and housing to replace several emergency houses still in use since the start of volcanic activity.
An Aid Memoire which will declare the financial commitments of the UK to the Government of Montserrat is being drafted and is expected to be available in the coming weeks.
