Shocking! Penn suggests roadworks could cost $100M

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Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has expressed shock over what he estimated was the actual cost of the government’s proposed 38 miles of road construction project.

The proposed 38-mile road construction project sparked concern over its potential cost after Penn calculated that it could reach a staggering $100 million. The revelation came during a recent exchange in the House of Assembly between Penn and Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer.

During the sitting, Penn questioned the projected $30 million allocated for the labour portion of the roadworks, expressing shock that the materials, including asphalt and concrete, would require additional contracts and funding. “This project could potentially cost the people of the territory close to almost $100 million, with material and labour,” Penn said.

He added that the cost would likely surprise many residents who had originally anticipated lower figures. “I think… when this was initially thought out, it was sort of deceiving, because the perception was that we are getting 30-something miles of road for 30-something million dollars,” Penn argued.

He continued: “Essentially, this is going to cost the taxpayers of this country, this project in particular, close to almost $100 million. If you count the materials that we have to provide — the concrete, the steel, the asphalt has to be provided by the government. And I don’t think that is clear to the public.”

Minister Rymer acknowledged that the $30 million figure covers only labour costs, with the government responsible for providing materials. He defended the expense, arguing that the government was receiving value for money and emphasising that quality roads require significant investment.

“If we want to get good roads, I think we have to invest in whatever is necessary,” Rymer stated. Rymer confirmed that the government’s current roadworks involve a similar arrangement in which the government supplies materials.

The 38-mile project is part of a larger infrastructure improvement plan to address years of wear and tear exacerbated by natural disasters. However, questions remain about the project’s overall financial impact, especially given the government’s history with infrastructure projects and concerns over transparency in the bidding process.

The project was awarded to only one contractor, further fueling worries about accountability.

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