The Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour is developing a Road Maintenance Management System and Road Assets Management System in an effort to improve the island`s ageing road assets and save state resources.

The system is a collection of software tools which provide policy makers with an inventory of the country’s infrastructural assets and a comprehensive snapshot to guide investments in upgrades and routine maintenance. It will also provide scientific analysis and methods for preventative maintenance and planning those maintenance works instead of reacting to damages already occurred retroactively.

The contract for consultancy services was competitively won by Sirway Limited of Finland. The Consultants commenced work in Saint Lucia on Jan. 18. They will be responsible for, among other duties, the establishment of a computer-based GIS road management information subsystem, including road database, data entry facilities, data access and reporting facilities, administrative procedures for updating, maintenance and operation of the subsystem and staff training.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Infrastructure Mr. Ivor Daniel said “the Road Maintenance Management System and Road Assets Management System will provide a platform
for infrastructural policy development and long-term finance planning for infrastructure projects.” He added that the initiative will place Saint Lucia`s service delivery in managing public assets on par with more advanced jurisdictions.

The Road Maintenance Management System and Road Assets Management System will cover approximately 1000km of roads and 100 major bridges and culverts around the island. The project will be implemented over a four-year period ending 2021.