The Petite Savanne Resettlement Programme promises to rebuild the constituency of Petite Savanne though the construction of 368 mixed use units on a 49.6-acre site. The constituency was declared a Special Disaster Area by Dominica’s Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, in the aftermath of Storm Erika and was the focus of a nationwide rehabilitation effort to home displaced citizens.
Construction on the Petite Savanne development is due to commence this month, while infrastructure, earth movement works, and road planning have already been completed. It is estimated that the construction phase will create 500-600 jobs for local Dominicans, and further jobs will be available once the 340 residential homes, the commercial plaza with 28 retail units, the farmer’s market, and the community centre are fully built and made available for use.
The project’s developer commented on the key role played by Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme in the success of this rehabilitation venture, stating: “To be able to offer new homes to locals who have suffered terribly following the utter devastation of Erika is testament to how citizenship by investment programmes can really make a difference to communities.”
Recovery and restoration efforts post-Storm Erika have totalled an estimated EC$482 million. This project – one of many on the island receiving support from citizenship by investment funds – is due for full completion by summer 2018, and is also open for tenancy applications by residents from less affected areas.