October 13, 2011 No. 32/11-BD DOMINICA TO RECEIVE CDB DISASTER MANAGEMENT LOAN The Government of Dominica is to receive a loan equivalent to USD750,000 from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to assist with the recovery from damage caused by the collapse of a dam in July of this year. This financing is to assist the government with clearing and cleaning of affected areas, and with the emergency restoration of services following the collapse of the dam and the subsequent flooding. On July 28, a tropical wave resulted in rainfall amounts of approximately 58 millimetres across the country. The breach and ultimate failure of the Matthieu Dam, located on a tributary of the Layou River, was attributed to this heavy rainfall. The high velocity water and debris flow resulting from the dam's collapse caused significant damage to roads, retaining walls and residential properties within the Layou Valley. The Layou Valley road forms part of Dominica's main road network, linking the central-west coast of the island to a major agricultural area. The resources provided by the CDB loan will reimburse the Government of Dominica for eligible activities undertaken under its immediate response programme, enabling the resumption of normal activities as quickly as possible