May 25, 2009 No. 9/09-BD CDB FINANCING FOR SOUTH LEEWARD HIGHWAY PROJECT STUDY IN ST. VINCENT The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is to provide a technical assistance loan equivalent to USD564,000 to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to undertake a rehabilitation and upgrade study in relation to the nine-mile-long South Leeward Highway. Following the closure of Port Kingstown to all container and other heavy cargo and the establishment of Campden Park Container Port, the South Leeward Highway has become the sole conduit for the movement of goods imported into St. Vincent and the Grenadines from the container port to the capital, Kingstown. However, the road has deteriorated significantly with widespread cracking, and inadequate drainage has contributed to the deterioration. Since the South Leeward Highway was not designed for container traffic, in addition to the road deterioration, it is subject to heavy congestion along the section of the highway between the container port and Kingstown. In addition to this, two hotel and resort developments have been attracted to the area, and this is likely to contribute to increased economic activity and consequential increases in traffic. Among the services expected of the consultant undertaking the study will be conducting appropriate traffic surveys, reviewing existing land use plans and assessing their impact on existing and future traffic in the areas under consideration. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholders' workshops and conduct environmental and social impact assessments.