The ongoing roadworks on Chaussee Road, Castries, have sparked mixed reactions from residents, business owners, and commuters, as the much-anticipated rehabilitation project progresses. The project is part of the government’s “Year of Infrastructure 2024” initiative, aimed at revitalising critical infrastructure across the island.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Nationwide Construction serves as the lead contractor, with the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) playing a key role as a subcontractor. The project not only focuses on improving the road but also includes extensive rehabilitation of water and sewerage systems beneath it.
In July of this year, Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King highlighted the critical need to replace outdated water and sewerage pipelines, many of which have been in place for over 30 years. King emphasised the importance of laying new water lines before actually completing the road construction.
“But before we do that, if the only way we can have our water lines is to place them beneath the road, then we must change the lines,” King stated. “So in the City what we are doing is to put in new water lines to ensure that when we construct the road, that there is no interference maybe for another ten, fifteen years which is the lifespan of those roads being constructed,” the Minister stated.
While the long-term benefits of the project are clear, the current state of Chaussee Road has caused significant inconvenience. Motorists face challenging conditions, with the road described as bumpy and difficult to navigate. The situation worsens during peak hours, especially on Fridays, when traffic sometimes backs up to Darling Road.
“The company doing work there, they should have someone to direct the traffic, or a police officer stationed there to control the traffic,” one affected motorist told St. Lucia Times.
Businesses along the route have also felt the impact, with many owners complaining about the dust from construction entering their premises. Despite these issues, some see the disruptions as a necessary step toward improvement.
Several stakeholders have voiced support for the project, acknowledging that the short-term nuisances are worth enduring for the long-term benefits. One business owner, speaking anonymously, explained that prior to the initiative, the outdated sewer and pipeline system often caused overflows that reached his business.
“Honestly, I’m fine with the current state of the road if it means I won’t have to deal with that in the future,” he shared.
The Chaussee Road Rehabilitation Project is expected to deliver modern infrastructure that will enhance the overall quality of life in the city. However, for now, residents and commuters must navigate the disruptions, amid the promise of a smoother and more reliable road infrastructure.
