SVG gets $2 million for Cross Country Road

If everything goes to plan, the final phase of the Cross Country Road will start January 2008. That’s the projection by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, made last Wednesday at Cabinet Room.

Taiwanese Ambassador Jack Chen and Vincentian Transport and Works Minister Clayton Burgin flanked him.

That link road will run from Fergusson on the Windward section of Byera Village, to Rose Hall on the Leeward end of mainland St. Vincent. It will mark the final leg of the venture. Before that, an “Environmental Impact Assessment Study” will be completed.{{more}}

The foundation for the building of the link road was strengthened last Wednesday with the handing over of an EC $2 million cheque by Ambassador Chen to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The money is part of EC$4.7 amount earmarked for building the 1.9 kilometre second phase.

Dr. Gonsalves recapped the Cross Country Road exercise, the subject of much debate here. The Prime Minister stressed that a “route” had been identified and stated that “preliminary designs” for the route were being updated. He added that further works at “critical” areas were also being undertaken.

Dr. Gonsalves thanked the Taiwanese for their contribution. Phase one of the cross country road saw completion of extended road works from Troumaca to Rose Hall over 2.9 kilometres.

The Taiwan based firm Overseas Engineering Construction Company (OECC) has been awarded the contract for construction. However, local subcontractors would be employed in the construction of the venture.

Ambassador Chen spoke of the “importance of the Cross Country Road” in connecting the Windward and Leeward people, and of its vital link to “social, economical and tourism development.”

Chen pledged his country’s support to Phase Three of the venture. He expressed satisfaction with the close working relationship established with Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves since his arrival here.