Ministry of Infrastructure - Saint Lucia

15/11/2022

Schedule of works on the Millennium Highway for this week

10/11/2022

07/11/2022

Statement by Hon Stephenson King on Flash Flooding of 6th November 2022

07/11/2022

Part of Saint Lucia's Technical Team at COP27

L-R Karl Monty Augustine (Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development), Shurman Francis (Energy Officer, Ministry of Infrastructure - Saint Lucia), Jermaine Missole (Sustainable Development & Environment Officer, Department of Sustainable Development Saint Lucia), Ruth Phillips Itty (Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser)

Government of Saint Lucia

04/11/2022

Joint statement from the World Bank and Government of Saint Lucia

NEWS RELEASE

World Bank partners with UK, Canada, CIF to support geothermal exploration in Saint Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia, November 3, 2022 — As Caribbean consumers face high energy prices due to a heavy reliance on costly and volatile fossil fuel imports and, with projected increased climate vulnerability, the World Bank partners with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Canada Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility and the Climate Investment Fund, to explore geothermal viability in Saint Lucia.

The Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) – launched today in Soufriere – applies concessional, multi-partner financing in support of St Lucia’s goal of 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, through geothermal exploration and the strengthening of the legal and regulatory framework for clean energy integration in St. Lucia.

Commenting on the new project, Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank’s Director for the Caribbean said, “The impact of high fuel expenditure on Caribbean economies cannot be understated. In 2020, St Lucia’s fuel imports accounted for 4.4% of GDP and we cannot overlook the utility of channeling these funds to other critical sectors, for example, into education and health. Exploring geothermal potential in St Lucia gives the country the ability to build its energy independence, increase resilience and reduce the environmental impact of GHG emissions.”

RESDP will facilitate the de-risking of exploration drilling which in turn enables private investment into subsequent stages of geothermal power development, toward climate change mitigation and improved energy security.

“The current global energy predicament should serve as a telling reminder to all stakeholders, including the government, to hasten the transition away from fossil fuels, towards renewable sources of energy for Saint Lucia. And so, we are here today to make some progress in that area, with the clear intention to move this project forward, to shape the country’s future economic prospects”, said Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Honorable Philip J. Pierre, during the project’s launch event.

Likewise, Corin Robertson, UK Director General for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean lauded the project’s potential while connecting the project to global initiatives. She said, “The UK is proud to support geothermal exploration in St Lucia and elsewhere in the Caribbean. This project has the potential for major reduction in energy costs and transformational potential for economic development in the medium to long term. It is fitting that in the last week of the UK’s COP Presidency, we are part of a launch that showcases the efforts Caribbean SIDS are taking to adapt to climate change and improve resilience.”

The strong renewable energy – including, solar and wind energy - and energy efficiency potential of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean presents significant prospects. In response to Caribbean needs and global agreements, World Bank continues support of climate and energy initiatives, with its Caribbean programmes in these areas closely aligned to the Bank’s Climate Change Action Plan. (https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35799)

Footage of the event can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO4CE9Mqbss

Contacts:

In Kingston, Jamaica, for the World Bank: Penny Bowen, [email protected]

In Castries, Saint Lucia, for the Government of Saint Lucia: Miguel Fevrier, [email protected]

Learn more about the work of the World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/caribbean
Be updated via Twitter: https://twitter.com/WBCaribbean

03/11/2022

Launch of Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) 2022 -2025

Launch of Renewable Ebergy Sector Development Project (RESDP)

Morne Coubaril SoufriereNovember 3rd, 2022

02/11/2022

Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport

PRESS RELEASE

Government of Saint Lucia Attempts to Unlock the Island’s Geothermal Energy Potential

Castries, October 31, 2022- On Thursday 3, November 2022, the Government of Saint Lucia will officially launch the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) at the scenic Morne Coubaril Estate in Soufriere.

The project’s primary objectives are to inform the GOSL on the viability of the geothermal resource for power generation and strengthen the enabling environment to scale-up clean energy investments with the private sector.

The US$21.852 million project is funded through 4 sources:

1. World Bank- IDA Credit of US$3.83 million;

2. United Kingdom- Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office grant of US$4.2 million;

3. Canadian Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility concessional loan of US$3.7 million and gender grant of US$0.55 million; and

4. Clean Technology Fund contingent grant of US$8.572 million.

The Government of Saint Lucia will provide an in-kind contribution of up to US$1 million for temporary land acquisition, crop compensation and income restoration.

The RESDP became effective in July 2022 and presents the exploratory drilling phase of Saint Lucia’s journey towards commercial geothermal energy generation. It will be implemented through a Project Implementation Unit within the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport (DIPT), and will run up to December 2025.

There are two components to the RESDP:
• Exploratory drilling program
• Technical Assistance

The exploratory drilling program includes exploration management and drilling. Based on the findings of recent surface studies conducted between February 2015 and March 2016, it has been decided that three (3) exploratory slim-hole wells will be drilled and tested in Saltibus, Belle Plaine and Fond St. Jacques.

Should this component prove successful, production wells will be drilled following which, the Government of Saint Lucia will seek to structure an arrangement for construction of a geothermal power plant.

The technical assistance programme consists of project implementation support, capacity building and market engagement.

One noteworthy subcomponent under capacity building is the implementation of the REDSP Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme where scholarships and apprenticeships will be offered to thirty-two (32) Saint Lucian females interested in pursuing an approved course of study at the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC).

The objective of this programme is to reduce the gap in employment opportunities for women in the energy sector. A Memorandum of Understanding between the DIPT and SALCC will be signed at the launch to herald the start of this intervention.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport Mr. Ivor Daniel, stated “The RESDP represents a major milestone in the country’s quest towards achieving some degree of energy independence, protection from volatile global fuel market prices and a reliable source of green energy. We are all hopeful that our geothermal resource proves to be of the right quality and quantity to allow us to move to geothermal power generation, whose benefits can then redound to all Saint Lucians “

According to Terrence Gilliard, Chief Energy, Science and Technology Officer, “The project is expected to take four years with exploratory drilling commencing by the second quarter of 2024.”

He added “Having met the stakeholder groups and project affected people during 2017 and 2018 and listened to their concerns, we have developed several plans to mitigate against the potential negative environmental and social impacts of the project. We are currently updating our project documents and shall restart stakeholder consultations soon.”

Saint Lucia is one of several Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Montserrat pursing geothermal energy generation. Geothermal Energy has the advantage of being one of the cleanest and most reliable renewable energy sources.

For more information about the launch, please contact Mr. Ken Aldonza at email: [email protected] or telephone number (758) 732-0013.

01/11/2022

Reminder of the RockHall/Pavee intersection closure.

01/11/2022

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Consultations have commenced on Vehicle Online Services

01/11/2022

New Transport Services on digiGov soon, to include:
• Vehicle de-registration and registration of new vehicles
• Renewal
• Taxi permits
• Fleet licensing
• Personalised plates
• Change of information
• Transfer of ownership
• Vehicle information
• Importation of Left-hand drive vehicles
• Visitor permits
• Route permit applications

31/10/2022

Schedule of works on the Millennium Highway this week.

31/10/2022

28/10/2022

IMPORTANT NOTICE

25/10/2022

Schedule of works on the Millennium Highway this week.

21/10/2022

Home

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank has embarked on the development of a Sustainable Road Transport Plan for St. Lucia.

This plan includes field studies within the country aimed at taking a closer look at the main challenges to the delivery of quality and efficient public transport services within the sector.

The studies will examine options for achieving sustainable public transport system with a view of reducing environmental, social and economic impacts, including greenhouse gas mitigation, improving resilience to natural disasters and mitigating health and safety risks in order to build a safer, healthier, more reliable, affordable and responsive society.

Coming out of the public consultation, recommendations will be made for an action plan for improvement of Saint Lucia’s public transportation sector.

The public is encouraged to be part of this Sustainable Road Transport Plan by participating in this online Survey.

Access the survey via this link:

What is the Sustainable Road Based Public Transport Plan for Saint Lucia? Adequating the bus transport system to the mobility needs of the population The effective delivery of public transport services is critical to meeting the mobility needs of the population of Saint Lucia as the country advances

21/10/2022

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

Zoom link to License Plate Manufacturers Meeting

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21/10/2022

UPDATE: ZOOM LINK TO THE MEETING

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85776166898?pwd=TmtlMG1hYXhVSTBXQTZnOTgyVjNoQT09

License Plate Manufacturers invited to an important meeting

18/10/2022

License Plate Manufacturers invited to an important meeting

18/10/2022

Schedule of works on the Millennium Highway for this week

14/10/2022

Work will soon commence on the Sir Julian Hunte Highway, formerly the Castries-Gros Islet Highway reconstruction very soon.

This disclosure was made by Senior Minister and Minister with responsibility for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal, Hon. Stephenson King.

14/10/2022

An amendment to a section of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act was tabled before the House of Parliament this week.

The amendment seeks to raise the age for a compulsory driving examination for Senior Citizens from age 70 to 75.

We get the details in this report by Miguel Fevrier

13/10/2022

11/10/2022

Schedule of works on the Millennium Highway this week

07/10/2022

NOTICE: Closure of Bagatelle Road

07/10/2022

07/10/2022

NOTICE:

07/10/2022

Senior Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Castries North, Hon. Stephenson King paid a visit to his alma mater the Seventh Day Adventist Academy, in observance of Teacher's Week.

Hon. King decked in his SDA Uniform addressed the students briefly, reminding them of all the contributions that the Academy's alumni have made to Saint Lucia's development.

Did you know that the SDA Academy is one of only three secondary schools on Saint Lucia to have produced a Prime Minister?

07/10/2022

Photos from Ministry of Infrastructure - Saint Lucia's post

06/10/2022

DIPT staff wear green in observance of World Cerebral Palsy Day

06/10/2022

NOTICE: Toraille Road Update

The Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport wishes to inform the public that the Toraille Road is now traversible.

However, further land slippage is possible as Saint Lucia continues to be affected by a tropical wave.

Motorists are therefore advised to exercise extreme caution and vigilance when traversing the Toraille Road and other areas prone to landslide.

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05/10/2022

PUBLIC NOTICE: Land Slippage at Toraille, Soufriere

The Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport wishes to inform the public that land slippage has occurred at one section of the Toraille, Soufriere Road.

As a result, fallen trees, debris and a utility pole near the Toraille Bridge have rendered the road impassible.

Technical teams from the Department of Infrastructure and LUCELEC are currently on ground assessing the situation, with a view of making the roadway traversible in the shortest possible time.

In the interim, motorists traveling to Fond St. Jacques and environs are advised to utilise the Diamond or Bois D’Inde Roads.

The DIPT will advise when the road is traversible.

==

ENDof

04/10/2022

NOTICE: Early Closure of the DIPT's Union and Vieux Fort offices

04/10/2022

28/09/2022

Photos from Ministry of Infrastructure - Saint Lucia's post

28/09/2022

Photos from Ministry of Infrastructure - Saint Lucia's post

27/09/2022

27/09/2022

Good morning.

There have been reports of the Barre De L’isle being blocked as a result of land slippage.

The DIPT would like to categorically state that these reports are untrue, and please note that vehicles have traversed the area in both directions without any impediments.

16/09/2022

The Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport is saddened by the passing of one of our longest tenured members of staff.

Mr. Irvin Francois passed away on Wednesday September 14th, 2022 after a brief battle with illness.

Irvin started off his Public Service life in 1990 as an apprentice in the Electrical Maintenance Department.

His dedication to his duties saw him move up the ranks, holding the position of Senior Electrical Inspector at the time of his passing.

Irvin Francois was also at the time of his passing, the longest tenured member of the Ministry’s Electrical Inspection and Licensing Department.

The Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport extends deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and former colleagues, who are without a doubt saddened by Irvin’s passing.

May he rest in peace.

07/09/2022

01/09/2022

PUBLIC NOTICE: Resumption of Services in the South