Approximately 160 persons are expected to be employed during the upgrade of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines' South Leeward Highway which is expected to commence in June. The South Leeward Highway Rehabilitation Project is funded by a loan of USD13.6 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with a counterpart amount of USD2.5 million provided by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During a recent contract signing ceremony between the Government and Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd., Mr. Brent Bailey, Chief Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW), gave an overview of the project, describing the rehabilitation as a "very critical project." Upon completion, the upgraded roadway will feature improved line of sight for drivers, increased road widths, improved drainage and enhanced facilitation for pedestrian movement. Mr. Albert Gillings, Operations Officer (Civil Engineer), Economic Infrastructure Division, CDB, said, "We are satisfied with the commitment of MTW on being on schedule with procurement of the physical works. Upon its completion, we look forward to having a safer, and more resilient transportation corridor that will benefit the communities it serves." Director at Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd., Mr. Ian Singh, revealed the company hopes to complete drainage installation by the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and shifting of the road in Questelles during summer. The work is expected to last 21 months. Excerpts taken from: I-Witness News CAPTION: Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis holds the contract signed by Permanent Secretary in that Ministry, Mr. Hudson Need (left), and Mr. Ian Singh, Dipcon Engineering. (IWN photo)