Stronger Communications network coming – Darroux
Information, Science and Technology Minister, Kelvar Darroux says government plans to set up a robust emergency communications system able to withstand strong natural disasters.
Following the passage of Hurricane Maria on September 18, 2017, the telecommunications infrastructure of Dominica recorded one hundred and twenty eight million dollars in losses.
A communications network is needed to allow people to maintain contact with each other before, during and after a natural disaster.
The government has engaged a consultant to advise it on what is needed to set up a robust communications network that can be used in times of disasters.
“We’ve also sent out the tenders for the various service providers, to provide us with infrastructure as well as the software that will be required to manage such a network. So we have received [tenders] and [the review] process is ongoing. From where I sit, I can tell you that, from the bids that we’ve received, we think that we can now be in a position to select one of the service providers that will be able to assist us in putting in the infrastructure that is needed for that network.”, Darroux said.
The setup of the network is expected to be done in phases and the minister did not disclose the cost involved.
He noted underground and overhead based infrastructure must be considered as part of setting up an improved communications network.
The minister said, “[Tropical Storm] Erika taught us a lesson that with flooding, the network’s underground cables were impacted. With [Hurricane] Maria, most of the damage was done overhead. So we have now, to look at areas across the country where we have to go with ‘underground’ and areas where we have to go with ‘above ground’. So it will be interchangeable at various points around the country. We will be prioritizing because we will not be able to do everything one time.”
Some of the infrastructure needed is owned by the private sector and already in place while the government expects to purchase its own equipment.
The government also plans to work closely with amateur or ham radio operators as part of improved emergency communications.
Darroux also pointed out that a state of the art hurricane shelter under construction in Layou will help to provide a secure environment for people post a disaster. The facility, upon completion, is expected to house one hundred and fifty people.
He said, “It will be equipped with a backup generator as well as the equipment that is necessary to keep communication going and I believe this all ties in with building back better and a more resilient country. The Prime Minister has also mentioned that we will be looking at other communities where we will be able to construct such facilities. I think this is a move in the right direction.”
