The Government of Dominica, through the support of Regional and International partners, has embarked on the construction of Regional Emergency Shelters across the island to reduce the strain on conventional resources such as schools and churches. The present COVID 19 Pandemic has further strengthened the need to have such facilities available to better safeguard the people of Dominica during hazard impacts.
Objectives of the Regional Emergency Shelters Project are:
- To provide a purpose build emergency shelter in the Districts
- To provide a Resource Center for the Districts in non-emergency periods
- To enhance the resilience of the Districts through the provision of a resilient multi-purpose facility
The Government of Dominica, with financing from the European Union, commenced construction of two (2) massive Regional Emergency Shelters in August 2020, one in Jimmit and the other in the Eastern Disaster District of Castle Bruce. Through the expert guidance and collaboration of partners, including the National Authorizing Office (NAO), CREAD, Sorell Consultants, the Office of Disaster Management and NH Construction Company.
The total cost of these Regional Emergency Shelter projects financed by the European Union is Euro $11 million (XCD $33 Million). The Jimmit shelter was allocated XCD $18, 041, 916.67 and Castle Bruce - XCD $13, 497, 493.28. These Regional Shelters amenities include: Open Hall to serve as dormitory, storage, kitchen, washrooms, medical area, laundry, office area, alternate water, and alternate power.
Layou Regional Emergency Shelter
The first of these facilities was the Layou Regional Emergency Shelter / Resource Center which was commissioned in 2020. The Layou Regional Emergency Shelter / Resource Centre was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank at a cost of $2,342,162.76. Consultants for the Layou project were Morrison Hershfield & Sorrel Consulting Ltd. Construction commenced in 2018 and was completed in 2020 by ROYC Real Estate and Construction Company. The facility has a capacity of 115 persons with a total floor space (ground and first floor) of 740 m². The Layou shelter has a medical area, laundry area, kitchen, office, store rooms, male and female restrooms and dormitory areas spread over two (2) floors. There is also backup underground water storage and standby power generator.
Jimmit and Castle Bruce Regional Emergency Shelters
The Government of Dominica, with financing from the European Union, commenced construction of two (2) massive Regional Emergency Shelters in August 2020, one in Jimmit and the other in the Eastern Disaster District of Castle Bruce. Through the expert guidance and collaboration of partners, including the National Authorizing Office (NAO), CREAD, Sorell Consultants, the Office of Disaster Management and NH Construction Company, the Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter was completed in January 2022. Official handing over of the Jimmit Shelter is set to take place within the next month.
The Castle Bruce Regional Emergency Shelter is nearing completion and should be ready by March 2022. This Regional Shelter has a capacity of 300 persons and will serve the communities of: Kalinago Territory, Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur, Good Hope, Castle Bruce, Morpo, Tranto and Dix Pas. The total cost of these Regional Emergency Shelter projects financed by the European Union is Euro $11 million (XCD $33 Million). The Jimmit shelter was allocated XCD $18, 041, 916.67 and Castle Bruce - XCD $13, 497, 493.28. These Regional Shelters amenities include: Open Hall to serve as dormitory, storage, kitchen, washrooms, medical area, laundry, office area, alternate water, and alternate power. The Jimmit Regional Shelter has a capacity of 500 persons and will serve the communities of: Tarreau, Mahaut, Jimmit, Warner, Campbell, Massacre, Les Pointe, Canefield, Roger, and Fond Cole.
