A landslide along the AuDelices Road has raised fresh concerns about access to communities in Dominica’s South East, with reports that clearing operations have restored driving conditions.
The Ministry of Public Works said the landslide occurred along the O’Delices Road on Saturday night, affecting the safe passage of vehicles. There were no reported injuries.
UWP leader Thomson Fontaine, in a video update earlier on Sunday, said about 10 tourists visiting the area had to be rerouted and assisted in reaching their destination. Fontaine also alleged that some visitors intending to travel to the Rosalie area reportedly cancelled their flights and hotel stays because of the landslide.
The incident came as residents continue to call for the restoration of the Petite Savanne-Delices link road, damaged by Tropical Storm Erika in 2015, leaving the area with fewer travel options between communities.
Dominica News Online reported that government statements confirm that Erika displaced most Petite Savanne residents and destroyed the road connecting Petite Savanne and Delices.
The Government subsequently announced efforts to restore vehicular access. In April 2024, officials said road clearing had cost $2.6 million, while construction of the Bagatelle Bridge had cost $2.5 million, and that mobilization would follow to reconstruct the crossing through Petite Savanne.
By January 2025, Minister Jullan Defoe said work on the Petite Savanne-Delices link road was continuing and that vehicles were already traversing it, although it had not yet been officially opened at that point.
In a Change.org petition created in November of 2022, Debra Charles-Mark, writing on behalf of South East communities, addressed what was framed as an urgent issue affecting the neighboring communities in myriad ways. It cites concerns about access to healthcare, schools, employment, emergency services, and essential supplies, as well as the economic and social effects of longer travel routes.
Charles-Mark, in an update to the petition following the landslide, said the area was still experiencing rock fall as of Sunday morning.
She again called for the Petite Savanne-Delices Road to be reopened as a matter of urgency. The petition argues that restoring the Petite Savanne-Delices connection would provide an alternative route for South East communities and reduce reliance on the O’Delices access route.
In light of this latest landslide along the AuDelices route, the petition update calls for a clear reopening timeline for the link road, a risk assessment of affected areas, and safe alternative access while work is being carried out.
Despite the government having previously reported work toward restoring the Petite Savanne-Delices connection, the route has remained the subject of continued construction, and calls remain for improved access, allowing more options and mitigating safety and transportation issues.
Meanwhile, authorities report that heavy equipment was mobilized today to remove debris and restore access on the AuDelices Road.
Fontaine, in a separate Facebook update reported as of two hours ago that the landslide had been cleared and traffic flow resumed on the road.
Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution and expect delays.
