Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recently visited a crucial site. He inspected Aggregate Quarry No. 2. This quarry is vital for the Dominica International Airport Project. The project is undertaken by China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group (CREC).
Project Milestones and Site Inspection
The Prime Minister led a delegation. This included officials from Finance, Tourism, and Public Works. The visit took place on December 4. CREC provided a detailed briefing. They discussed aggregate production capacity. Quality indicators and crushing processes were reviewed. The outbound logistics system was also examined. Prime Minister Skerrit then toured the operation site. He checked dust suppression measures. Slope stability was also inspected. Site layout received his attention.
He praised CREC’s work. The project team showed phased achievements. They optimized construction organization. Environmental management was also strengthened. “Airport construction imposes extremely stringent technical requirements on aggregate density and strength,” Skerrit stated. He stressed the need for high standards. Stable production quality is essential. This ensures reliable material support for the airport works.
Quarry Production and Airport Timeline
All preparatory works at Aggregate Quarry No. 2 are progressing. They are on schedule. The quarry is expected to start production. This is planned for January 2026. It will meet large-scale demand for aggregates. High-quality materials are needed for the runway. They are also needed for the terminal area. This provides solid support for main construction. The Dominica International Airport project is nearing completion. It is scheduled for 2027. As of December 12, 2025, progress is steady.
Economic Transformation for Dominica
The international airport will be a modern aviation hub. It will connect the Caribbean region to Europe and North America. This project is Dominica’s largest construction undertaking. It significantly enhances transportation connectivity. The airport will drive development in tourism. Accommodation and catering industries will grow. It will create many quality jobs. This injects new momentum into GDP growth. The project is a cornerstone for future development. It unlocks opportunities for trade and investment.
Key Project Details and Funding
Construction began in September 2021. The project’s estimated cost exceeds EC$1 billion. Funding primarily comes from Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This ensures no direct debt for Dominica. Montreal Management Consultants Development Ltd oversees the project. CREC handles design and construction. The airport will feature a 2,850-meter runway. It can accommodate large aircraft. Direct flights from major hubs are anticipated.
Local Impact and Job Creation
The project delivers strong local economic benefits. Currently, 405 Dominican workers are employed on site. This reinforces a commitment to local labor. The airport will create thousands of jobs. These range from construction to airport staff. Increased demand for goods will benefit local businesses. Entrepreneurship is expected to rise. The airport represents a long-held dream for the nation. It is a central pillar of economic transformation. The Prime Minister emphasized its importance. He called for collective support for its completion. This initiative will define Dominica’s economic future. It allows young Dominicans to dream bigger. Dominica aims to stand confidently among nations with first-class infrastructure. The project showcases cooperation between Dominica and China. It is a significant development in the Caribbean business landscape.