Statement
STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS
HONOURABLE KYE M. RYMER
AT THE EIGHTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION
OF THE FIFTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
ON THIRTY-EIGHT MILES OF PRIMARY ROAD FOR RECONSTRUCTION
Tuesday 20th February 2023
Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on a major initiative that my Ministry is seeking to embark upon that will provide a substantial benefit to the motoring public and Territory on a whole.
Madam Speaker, in October 2023, a tender was issued via the Ministry of Finance for comprehensive road reconstruction, asphalt paving and road markings of Thirty-Eight (38) miles of primary roads. We have identified primary roads on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke that would comprise of thirty-eight (38) miles road.
Madam Speaker, this tender takes a comprehensive look at the reconstruction of our roads. As part of this tender, the contractor will be required to assess the roads to determine, through testing, if the entire road including the base and subbase layer will require replacement, repair or total reconstruction. The contractor will be required to take up the defective road way inclusive of the asphalt and base layers where assessed to be necessary, and place new base layers and overlay with asphalt. We anticipate that the majority of our primary roadways may require some measure of reconstruction and rehabilitation. Therefore, provision has been made in the tender for this.
There may be other instances where only milling of the existing asphalt layer is required prior to overlaying with asphalt and such instances are also included in this tender. Additionally, we understand the importance of drainage in the development and longevity of any road network. As a result, we have included for the construction of over nineteen (19) miles of curb walls and over nineteen (19) miles of slipper drains to accompany the road reconstruction works.
Madam Speaker, we have also included in the tender for the construction of short retaining walls, particularly along the ridge road to shore up the roadway for the widening of the road in many areas. We also recognize the importance of road markings, particularly when driving at night to assist drivers in maintaining their lanes as well as knowing where the edge of the road is. Therefore, the contractor as part of this tender will be performing road markings to the entire length of the 38 miles of road.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the bids were due back, 30th January 2024 and have been received by the Ministry of Finance. Madam Speaker, there was total of one bidder and their bid price was in excess of Thirty-Five Million Dollars ($35,000,00.00). We look forward to the conclusion of the tender within a few short months where a contractor will be selected for undertaking this critical project.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Premier and Minister of Finance for his continued commitment and the Ministry of Finance for the pursuance of a loan to fund this critical capital project. We cannot overemphasize the importance of this major capital project and the benefits that it will provide to our Territory. As we look to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and we seek to build a new terminal in West End, we can expect an increased influx of tourists over and beyond our increase from cruise ship arrivals as we continue to enhance our tourism product. We must ensure that our roadways are safe, not only for our residents who live here and feel the impact of a poor road network on a daily basis, but also to ensure that our tourists are comfortable as they enjoy our Territory.
Madam Speaker, despite the challenges of our current road network, my ministry along with the Public Works Department are seeking to do as much as we can with the funding that we receive on an annual basis. There are many demands throughout the Territory and we seek to meet those demands as best as possible. We continue to ask for the patience of the general public as we do our very best to enhance our road network.
It is for this reason that I look forward to the commencement of this critical project as it would allow us to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of our road infrastructure.
Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on the 38 miles of road.
