Residents of Valerie Lorde Avenue can look forward to safer access to their community in heavy rains now that the Riviere Mitant Development Committee has completed a series of drainage works in that area.
The improvement works are expected to reduce the water on the road, reduce erosion and protect the road surface.
Through support from Canada, the Riviere Mitant Disaster Risk Management – Drainage Rehabilitation and Construction Project was launched on April 14th, 2019.
Under this project, the Committee, in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, has constructed more than 180 metres of drain including vehicle crossings where needed and a sump to help protect the natural watercourse.
The project budget was CAD$105,966.22 with CAD$98,236.63 coming from the Government of Canada.
The Senior Director of Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development Program, Mr. Benoît-Pierre Laramée was delighted to unveil the new project sign, commemorating the successful completion of the works.
Mr. Laramée particularly congratulated the community and the leadership of the Riviere Mitant Development Committee for their self-help approach and persistence in getting to this point.
He noted that “This is a good example of communities adapting to climate change”.
Canada is committed to supporting the Caribbean’s resilience agenda.
In November 2017, Canada announced CAD$100M to support reconstruction and climate resilience efforts in the Caribbean region over the next five years.
Climate change will bring increasingly variable weather conditions and more extreme rainfall events. This can severely impact livelihoods and general day-to-day living.
To be able to respond to the increased threat of natural disasters and climate change, communities must build their resilience.
The Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund is a CAD$3M fund designed to support Caribbean-based, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and governmental agencies working at the community level.
St Lucia previously benefitted from CAD$20,000 towards improved emergency communications through the St. Lucia Amateur Radio Club and Canada continues to work with partners on the ground to help make a difference.