Physical Planner Annie Edwards urges adherence to national physical development plan to alleviate traffic congestion

Physical Planner Annie Edwards underscored the importance of implementing Dominica’s National Physical Development Plan to decentralize key services and manage severe urban traffic congestion.

She explained that the national plan outlines specific developmental zones across the island—including Portsmouth, Marigot, Castle Bruce, La Plaine, and Grand Bay—each designed to host localized government administrative offices, commercial centers, and essential services.

Edwards pointed out that adhering to this structure would allow residents to access daily necessities within their respective regions rather than traveling to the capital.

Highlighting the consequences of poor execution, Edwards noted that commuters heading into Roseau frequently spend hours stuck in traffic before reaching work—a problem that systematic planning could easily prevent.

She observed that despite physical development plans being established and updated every decade since the 1950s, successive administrations have consistently disregarded these framework guidelines.

Edwards concluded that the congestion and spatial challenges currently plaguing Roseau are the direct result of long-standing official neglect toward comprehensive national planning.

Physical Planner, Annie Edwards.