Road and drainage works are being accelerated across key areas of Antigua ahead of November’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with Cabinet advised that approximately EC$20 million in additional funding is expected shortly to support the Ministry of Works’ programme.
The Minister responsible for Works and senior ministry officials briefed Cabinet on Wednesday on the progress of priority projects and the challenges crews face in completing them within the available time.
Director of Works Collis King explained that the Ministry is targeting roads for resurfacing, milling, cutting and patching according to their condition, given the limited period before CHOGM.
Work has started along sections of the road from the Hodges Bay/SunSail area towards Anchorage. Some sections are scheduled for resurfacing, while others are receiving cutting and patching.
Similar operations are underway along other priority routes, with crews working throughout the week except Sundays.
In English Harbour and the Dockyard area, the Ministry is coordinating with utility providers to address ruptured lines before repairing affected road sections.
Within St. John’s, drainage upgrades near the Performing Arts Centre are approximately 80 per cent complete. The remaining drainage work is expected to be finished shortly, allowing resurfacing of High Street to proceed.
Work will also continue on Newgate Street, including night operations where necessary. Preparations are being made for improvements to St. Mary’s Street once utility work is completed.
Cabinet stressed the need for close coordination among the Ministry, APUA, contractors and other agencies to ensure road resurfacing begins promptly after underground infrastructure work is finished. Additional supplies of sand are also being secured for paving and patching.
Beyond preparations for CHOGM, Prime Minister Gaston Browne called for stronger management of staff and resources, improved productivity and greater use of experienced personnel within the Ministry.
Cabinet discussed bringing in additional technical and management expertise to support the Director of Works. Officials also acknowledged the need for more structured staff training, scheduling and project planning, particularly as newer employees join the Ministry.
The Ministry reported savings from improved internal oversight of projects and contracts, while recognising that further improvements are needed as its workload expands.
Browne stressed that the anticipated funding must be supported by proper planning, adequate staffing and timely procurement of materials and equipment. Officials said detailed project plans and schedules are being developed ahead of the additional financing.
Cabinet also reaffirmed its decision to acquire a new road milling machine.
Although used equipment had been considered, officials said concerns about age, spare parts and comparative costs supported purchasing a new machine.
Cabinet urged the Ministry to use extended working hours where practical to complete the most critical projects before CHOGM.
Browne emphasised that the intensified programme must continue beyond the meeting, with equipment purchases, staff training and management improvements helping to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to deliver infrastructure projects throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
