Sorry, no funds allotted to fix Anegada roads

As the government gets ready to rehabilitate some 38 miles of roads across the territory, residents of Anegada will continue to have bumpy rides, as no funds were made available in the 2024 budget for roads on that sister island.

The government has long promised to repair roads in Anegada’s North Side. However, when At-Large representative Stacy “Budda” Mather asked Works Minister Kye Rymer about those plans, the Minister explained that he requested the funds but did not get them under the 2024 national budget.

“During the 2023-2024 budget cycle, my ministry put forward for funding to complete the roadworks in Anegada which were designed and planned since 2016. However, no funding has been appropriated towards this project in the 2024 budget,” Minister Rymer explained.

He also explained that in 2016, the government borrowed some $16 million from the Social Security Board (SSB), with the intention of using some of this money to repair roads in Anegada. According to Rymer, the 2017 hurricanes disrupted this plan and the funds received from SSB have since been depleted.

“Over the past two budget cycles — 2023 and 2024 — approximately $420,000 was requested to undertake the project. Unfortunately, no funding was received. The proposed works were to undertake repairs from Anegada Beach Cottages to Cow Wreck Bar, which would provide a comfortable road surface for motorists. We are hopeful to obtain funding in a SAP or the upcoming budget cycle,” Minister Rymer explained.

The government has announced that it will be fixing 38 miles of primary roads on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. When Mather asked if roads on Anegada are included in this plan, Minister Rymer confirmed that roadways on that sister island are not part of 38 miles.

“I know those in Anegada who are listening, will assist me in lobbying to the Premier to get that money in the budget for them, so they’re not left out,” Mather said.

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