Road repairs will resume as soon as weather permits, says gov't

By Kimone Witter    

 

With the further deterioration of the road network following weeks of heavy rainfall, the government is seeking to reassure citizens that rehabilitation work will resume, as soon as the weather permits.

 

There have been recent appeals and protests by motorists and residents of various communities across the country for the authorities to give attention to road repairs.

 

Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan, says work under the $3 billion REACH programme had started, but was delayed by recent rains. 

 

"We have done some patching but we have been restricted based on the fact that we have had about three weeks of rain across the island. So a lot of our contractors have been ready and waiting. For example, last weekend we were supposed to do major patching in the Corporate Area and the western side of the island. We could not lay asphalt because of the rainy conditions, but we are waiting for the rain to ease," he explained, adding that as soon as drier weather resumes, the programme will restart. 

 

The initiative, launched in August, will focus specifically on damage caused by recent weather events, including Hurricane Beryl, as well as the execution of routine road maintenance.

 

The project will be managed by the National Works Agency and executed in two phases, with Phase One running from September to November and Phase Two covering January to March 2025. 

 

 

In the meantime, the government is finalising contract negotiations for the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

 

The negotiations are being led by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the National Works Agency.

 

Minister Morgan said these negotiations, conducted through a transparent International Competitive Bidding process, are focused on finalising terms that align with the government's policy objectives and budgetary framework.

 

"The SPARK programme is on track. We are in negotiations with a preferred bidder. After that process we go to the Public Sector Investment Management Committee, then to the Public Procurement Commission and then Cabinet for approval. We expect, based on the collaboration between the government ministries and agencies, by the end of October we should be in the finalisation of the engagement with the preferred bidder if approved by these entities."

 

Mr. Morgan said the SPARK programme is expected to start this year and will significantly improve road infrastructure. 

 

Cabinet is to be updated on the progress of the SPARK programme on Monday.

 

The $45 billion initiative is expected to continue through to March 2027.

 

The initial phase will focus on rehabilitating community and parochial roads, while more complex structural upgrades will follow in subsequent phases, in collaboration with local contractors.