The West Coast Water Project falls under Component 1 of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project which addresses “Prevention and Adaptation Investments” of which water storage is critical. Following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, the residents of the West Coast have been experiencing water shortage and interruption due to damages incurred to the supply lines. The Dominica Water & Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) and the Ministry of Public Works & Ports are the main partners undertaking this activity, which is spearheaded by the Project Coordinating Unit of the DVRP.
This sub-project is divided into three (3) lots as follows:
- Lot 1: Construction of Storage Tanks - Bioche, Colihaut, Morne Rachette/Coulibistrie and Water Supply;
- Lot 2: Construction of Storage Tanks - Picard, and Glanvillia Water Supply;
- Lot 3: Construction of Storage Tanks - Grange, Guillet/Savanne Paille and Cottage Water Supply.
The Standard Bidding Document (SBD) was re-issued on June 13, 2016 under the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procurement under the World Bank. In July 2016, the PCU teamed up with DOWASCO to conduct the Pre-bid meeting and Site Visit with prospective bidders. The pre-bid site visit allows prospective bidders to get first hand view of the sites which will assist in the bid preparation in terms of adequately quantifying associated costs. The bid opening was held on August 12, 2016 at the office of the PCU.
The PCU anticipates contract award in December 2016 based on current procurement activity. Once completed, the North/West Coast Water Project is expected to benefit residents located in the St Joseph (part), St Peter and St John Parishes respectively. Over 20 communities will benefit from the construction of the proposed eight (8) water storage tanks; totaling 10, 819 direct beneficiaries (5645 males, 2174 females). On a national level, the beneficiaries account for approximately 15 percent of the population.
