Premier touts infrastructure upgrades from $100M loan
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced extensive roadworks across the Virgin Islands, describing them as part of an “unprecedented” infrastructure push funded by the government’s $100 million loan.
Speaking during his second annual Territorial Address, Dr Wheatley said six miles of road on Tortola had been resurfaced with asphalt in critical areas such as Beef Island, East End, the Ridge Road, Joe’s Hill, and Prospect Reef to Duffs Bottom.
On Virgin Gorda, works are progressing in phases, particularly in the North Sound area, with a complete section already done near the Robinson O’Neal Primary School.
“We did not receive substantial financial assistance comparable to our counterparts who benefited from significant capital grants,” Dr Wheatley stated. “Despite these obstacles, the government made the unprecedented decision to borrow $100 million, resulting in notable improvements in infrastructure services throughout the territory.”
On Jost Van Dyke, the Premier pointed to the Back Road project near the primary school and the second phase of repairs on the undermined Eastern Road.
The Premier also highlighted efforts by the Public Works Department, which carried out drainage and road rehabilitation across the islands. Projects included repairs in Fahie Hill, Sabbath Hill, and Brewers Bay, as well as sidewalk upgrades near the Cedar School and Attorney General’s Chambers.
Drainage work was completed between the R T O’Neal Administration Complex and Maria’s by the Sea, while a two-lane roadway and retaining wall were constructed in East End, Jost Van Dyke.
In Cane Garden Bay, reinforced concrete was used to restore a section of roadway, with additional improvements in front of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.
On the water and sewerage front, pipeline upgrades to resilient HDP materials were completed, and the Baughers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant has been recommissioned. Meanwhile, tenders have been issued for reservoir repairs at Minton Hill in Virgin Gorda and Fort Hill, Sabbath Hill, Hannah Hill, and Balsam Gut in Tortola.
Dr Wheatley confirmed that the Long Swamp Pump Station and main lines will be completed by September. “Household interconnections in Long Look, Greenland, and Fat Hogs Bay will start in Q3 2025,” he stated.
He added that the pumping of sewage from the pump station to the treatment plant is expected to begin in the final quarter of 2025, marking “the first time households will have full service.”
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and not a thing on Anegada, oh wait its not Lobsterfest yet we will get something a week before thats due…
What is going on with the road at hodges creek government last year said six months now its almost a year this government needs to go the engineers dont know what they doing and the minister dont have a clue as to what is happening up there, three now no work but we still have to repair our front end on our vehicle. Have the money to do repairs and don’t know how to use it effectively is a next thing. Next election hurry come.
Where are these improvements that S!0wW@nde is talking about? You would never guess they got the money, if you drove around Tortola. The money likely got spent on other things, like their salaries pensions and travel expenses. We need an audit. When last this place was audited? Oh yeah, back in 2019.