CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — Taiwan is providing seven million dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to St Lucia to address various social and developmental needs in communities throughout the island.

A government statement said that five million dollars will be used to support the Small Infrastructure Projects Initiative being implemented by the St Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), aimed at improving daily life and living standards in targeted communities by building and rehabilitating new and existing local infrastructure.

The statement said that more than 250 community roads and bridges, footpaths and walkways, walls, dwellings and drains in all 17 constituencies will receive attention and that in addition to enhancing community infrastructure, the Small Infrastructure Projects Initiative will create at least 700 new jobs, upskill labourers and generate significant economic activity.

It said that one million dollars will be allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture to rehabilitate and modernise the Vieux-Fort Fisheries Complex, south of here and that fishers and stakeholders operating there can expect numerous physical enhancements to the facility.

“This investment will enhance safety and hygiene standards for fishers, strengthen the structural integrity of the facility, and improve the overall façade and aesthetics of the complex, resulting in a more inviting customer experience.”

The government said that it will soon begin construction of a new Soufriere Elderly/Senior Day Care Centre Project and that citizens can expect high-quality caregiver services that include personal care and supervision, therapeutic recreation and social activities as well as daytime companionship from qualified caregivers.