The issue
The government of SVG (GOSVG) has secured a soft-loan of US$66 million or EC$178 million from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in two tranches: US $16 million or EC$43.2 million in mid-2023; and US$50 million or EC$135 million in April 2024. The first tranche was approved by the Parliament last year; and the second on May 10, 2024. The GOSVG will provide counterpart funding of US$9 million or EC$24.3 million.
These loans arose out of an official visit paid to Saudi Arabia by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in June 2023, although the preliminary discussions were ongoing for a year or so before. It is part and parcel of the broadening of the ULP government’s diplomatic initiatives and its construction of partnerships globally beyond our traditional alliances, which remains solid.
The first tranche (EC$43.2 million) of the soft loan is to construct a Cultural, Artistic, Educational and Production Hub at Belle Vue and two satellite hubs in North Leeward (one each at Troumaca and Petit Bordel) and a Modern Health Facility at South Rivers, and the rehabilitation of certain health clinics.
The second tranche (EC$135.0 million) of the soft loan is intended for the following six components: (i) Rehabilitation and building of primary and secondary schools (EC$27 million); (ii) Rehabilitation of national security facilities (EC$17.5 million); (iii) Reconstruction and construction of health facilities (EC$21.6 million); (iv) Improving Sports facilities (EC$27 million); (v) Rehabilitation and rebuilding of homes damaged by the volcanic eruptions (EC$35.1 million); and (vi) Contingency (EC$6.75 million). The loans are for 20 years with a 5-year grace period at the low fixed rate of two percent interest annually.
Status of projects from first tranche
(A) The Cultural, Educational Production Hubs: The objective of this project is to facilitate educational, cultural, artistic, social, and agricultural activities which will enhance all aspects of community life, foster economic development, encourage a culture of non-violent self-expression, propel a greater sense of ownership, build community spirit and national pride. The project will focus on certain cultural domains: crafts and folk art, painting and designs, film and acting, literature and media arts, and music (including recording and performance facilities). The Hub at Belle Bue will provide, additionally, an agro-product and agro-processing unit, inclusive of a market. Education, training, and skills development in various fields will be provided at all three hubs. The duration for the hubs’ construction: 2024 – 2026.
To date, the site locations have been identified. Contracts have been awarded for design, preparation of bills of quantities, and for construction supervision. An Italian company has been selected to design the Belle Vue Hub and two local firms have been contracted for the Troumaca and Petit Bordel satellite hubs respectively. The final designs are to be delivered at the end of May 2024. Tenders will be advertised for construction firms. Construction is expected to commence by October 2024. A special contract is to be awarded for the removal of the asbestos roof at the Belle Vue site. Minor relocations are to be done.
(B) Construction of South Rivers Health Facility and Repair of Some Clinics: The site has been identified and the land has been purchased. A St. Lucian firm has been awarded the contract to undertake construction designs which are to be submitted by the end of May 2024. The other procurement processes are then to be concluded for commencement of construction by October 2024. This facility will be a Modern Health Centre providing a range of services beyond the usual clinic; it will include staff quarters for nurses and a doctor. This Health Centre will cost nearly EC$10 million to construct and equip. A few other clinics, including those at Park Hill and Colonarie, will be renovated. The South Rivers Health Clinic will be constructed between 2024 and 2026.
Five bundles of projects under second tranche
Five bundles of projects, inclusive of contingencies, totaling EC$135 million are as follows:
(1) Rehab and building of primary and secondary schools:
(i) Rehabilitation of schools (Estimated project cost: EC$11.748 million of which $1.488 in local loan and $10.260 from SFD). Duration of project, 2024 – 2025. This sub-project involves the extensive repairing and rehabilitation of educational institutions across SVG. This sub-project will cover structural works including provisions for persons with disabilities; upgrade of plumbing and electricals; furnishing and equipment; security facilities (booths, plastic safety mirrors, and cameras).
(ii) Construction of Brighton Secondary School (Estimated project cost: EC$16.8 million of which $3.4 million in local loan and $13.4 million from SFD). Project duration: 2024 – 2026. This secondary school, the first in East St. George, will be designed to accommodate 500 students. It will be equipped to include modern audio-visual systems, spacious classrooms, library, TVET facilities, science laboratories, restrooms and showers, playing field and parking. The TVET facilities will be available to the surrounding communities.
(iii) Construction of the TVET Centre on Union Island: (Estimated project cost: EC$3.1 million of which $299,000 in local loan and $2.8 million from SDF). Duration of project: 2024 – 2025.
(2) Rehab of National Security Facilities:
(i) Building of a Modern Police Station at Stubbs: (Estimated project cost EC$7.6 million of which $1.05 in local loan and $6.545 million from SDF). Duration of project: 2024 – 2026.
(ii) Upgrade of Twenty Police Stations: (Estimated Cost: EC$8 million. Duration: 2024 – 2025). In some cases, minor repairs and rehab; in others, major repairs.
