The Government of the Virgin Islands has officially signed a contract for the extensive rehabilitation of the roadway from Hodges Creek Marina to Paraquita Bay at the Cutlass Tower.

The project, valued at $2,386,015.99, has been entrusted to Northam Construction Ltd and is expected to be completed within a six-month timeframe.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, affirmed the government’s commitment to rectifying the Territory’s enduring road infrastructure issues, which have posed a persistent challenge.

Premier Wheatley emphasized the comprehensive approach being adopted by the Ministry of Communications and Works to address the road network issues throughout the Territory. He noted that securing the necessary financing for these plans would be a central focus, with further details expected in the upcoming budget speech.

“As the budget speech is coming up, you will hear more about our plans to borrow so that we can provide the public with the roads that they deserve. Considering that I am not only the Premier and Minister for Finance, but the Representative for the Seventh District, I am doubly pleased that the people of this district who have had to cope with dilapidated roads and potholes will soon see some level of relief, and I have great confidence that Northam Construction Ltd will be able to deliver the type of quality of roads that our people deserve,” Premier Wheatley stated.

Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, underlined the commitment to raising the standard of road rehabilitation and maintenance to ensure safer and smoother roadways, marking a departure from past practices.

“The road infrastructure of the Territory requires our urgent attention, and as a Government, we understand the impact that the road network has, not only in providing a smooth road for the enjoyment of motorists, but more importantly, providing a safe passage in the prevention of accidents and safeguarding motorists and pedestrians alike,” Minister Rymer emphasized.

Furthermore, Minister Rymer highlighted the imperative need for a comprehensive road rehabilitation program that not only focuses on road reconstruction but also integrates various utility services. This integrated approach encompasses the Water and Sewerage Department, BVI Electricity Corporation, and the Territory’s telecommunication companies.

Minister Rymer underlined the importance of ensuring minimal disruptions post-rehabilitation by incorporating utility plans during the road development process.

Mr. Lordon Hamlet, Managing Director of Northam Construction Ltd, expressed his gratitude for the government’s selection of his company to spearhead the road rehabilitation project. He thanked the government for the opportunity and his dedicated project team for their commitment to delivering on time and within budget.

“Firstly, I want to thank God for giving us the health, strength, and desire to undertake these ventures. I want to thank the Government of the Virgin Islands for the opportunity, and I want to thank my project team for holding it down and delivering this. I also want to say that we are eager and ready to start this project and deliver on time and within budget,” Mr. Hamlet expressed.

The entire contract signing ceremony has been made available for public viewing on the Government’s official Facebook page at BVIGovernment.

The Ministry of Communications and Works remains steadfast in its dedication to enhancing and maintaining public infrastructure in alignment with international standards.