The Dominica Geothermal Development Company (DGDC) has announced that trenching activities for the installation of a 69kV underground powerline will commence in Laudat, with works also affecting Wotten Waven and Trafalgar. The company is advising residents and the general public to take note of the upcoming roadworks and to exercise caution in the affected areas.
The 69kV underground powerline forms part of the infrastructure supporting Dominica's geothermal energy development, a key pillar of the island's push for renewable energy and reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels. The line will connect geothermal generation to the national grid, reinforcing the country's energy security and supporting the Government's broader sustainable development goals.
DGDC said the trenching works will take place along roads in the three communities. While the announcement did not specify exact dates or a completion timeline, the company indicated that the works are set to begin shortly. Residents should expect temporary disruptions to traffic and road access as the trenching progresses.
The company is urging motorists and pedestrians to observe all cautionary signs and to follow instructions from work crews on site. Drivers are advised to reduce speed when approaching the work zones and to allow extra time for travel through Laudat, Wotten Waven and Trafalgar. Pedestrians, including schoolchildren and elderly residents, should take particular care when navigating near open trenches or construction equipment.
Local residents with properties adjacent to the roadworks may experience temporary inconvenience, including dust, noise and restricted access. DGDC has not indicated whether any scheduled water or electricity interruptions will accompany the trenching, but such works often require coordination with other utility providers.
The 69kV underground powerline is a significant piece of national infrastructure. By burying the line underground, the project aims to reduce vulnerability to storm damage and to protect the reliability of power supply, particularly important in a country that lies within the Atlantic hurricane belt. Underground cabling is generally less exposed to wind, falling trees and flying debris than overhead lines, though it requires careful trenching and reinstatement of road surfaces.
Dominica has been actively developing its geothermal resources, with the Laudat area long identified as a site of significant geothermal potential. The DGDC, a state-owned company, has been charged with advancing these resources for electricity generation. The completion of transmission infrastructure such as the 69kV line is essential to bringing geothermal power from the production wells to consumers across the island.
The company said it will continue to inform the public as the works advance. Residents of Laudat, Wotten Waven and Trafalgar, as well as the wider public, are encouraged to stay alert to further announcements and to cooperate with workers carrying out the trenching.
DGDC reminded the public that the works are being carried out in the interest of improving the island's energy infrastructure and asked for patience and understanding during the construction period. Any person with specific concerns about access to their property or business during the works should contact the company directly.
The announcement comes as Dominica continues to pursue its goal of becoming the first climate-resilient nation in the world, with renewable energy at the centre of that strategy. Geothermal power is expected to play a leading role in reducing electricity costs and emissions, and in providing a stable baseload supply for homes, businesses and critical services.
