December 10, 2009 No. 34/09-BD CDB Supports Dominica Water Supply Upgrading The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a technical assistance loan equivalent to USD362,450 to the Government of Dominica for a feasibility study and final designs for a Water Supply Upgrading and Expansion Project. A major objective of this study involves finding alternative sources of water for people who live in the capital, Roseau, and its environs, as well as providing technical solutions for upgrading and expanding the existing water distribution network. Currently the water source for the 29,000 residents of the project area is a river which is subject to seasonal fluctuations. This has an impact on the reliability of water supply. In addition, during periods of heavy rain, the river water becomes muddied, forcing closure of the intake to avoid silting the supply lines. The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASCO) - a registered company wholly owned by the Government of Dominica - will be the implementing agency for the project. DOWASCO has responsibility for providing potable water and sewerage services to the population. Consultants engaged for this project will work with DOWASCO to analyse the existing network, identify deficiencies and develop the least-cost, technically feasible option for its improvement. The Government of Dominica will provide counterpart funding equivalent to USD50,600 for the project.