We’re capable of building our own roads
With only weeks before the territory’s new asphalt plant is brought into commission, Director of Public Works, Jeremy Hodge said he is confident locals can build good quality roads that can last for many decades.
With the announcement that the asphalt plant should be commissioned by the end of June, many residents are now looking forward to improved road conditions in the months ahead.
Hodge said he does not doubt that Virgin Islanders can deliver good roadways for residents as they’ve done this many times in the past.
“We as BVIslanders will build our roads. We’re very capable of building our roads. If you’ve driven over to Sophie Bay, Kingston, Chalwell and even our highway that lasted about 20 years without flaws, you will notice that those roads were built by BVIslanders — [whether it was] Public Works themselves or private local contractors,” Hodge expressed.
To help with extensive road repairs across the territory, Hodge said the Public Works Department will get additional workers from the government’s RATED (Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment, and Development) programme.
He also said his department has all the resources the plant needs to get started but will need a constant supply of resources in the future to ensure road repairs continue.
“So far, we have all the oil we need to start. The Premier is committed to ensuring we have all the resources we need to continue. He told me not to worry about it and Honourable Rymer will need us to remind him when we need more materials. All we need now are the resources to ensure that we can continue the works through 2023, 2024 and onwards until we get you the roads you deserve to have,” Hodge explained.
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no longer exists. There is a very well built road with several speed bumps where the beach was 50 years ago.
There’s a big difference between laying down some asphalt and actually building a road. Bvi needs engineering not asphalt
The only roads that have have stood the test go time are the concrete ones – mostly built by the UK armed forces many many years ago – the ones we have built ourselves have typically not lasted. Will we never learn that putting asphalt onto dirt does not last? The only one done properly in recent times is the one done by the RDA by International Motors.
So what is the reason for the present state of our roads. Especially the ridge road east. A disgrace and dangerous.
I just wish that a simple statement identifying the location of the location of this plant would be mentioned. Whole talk talk with no specific site acknowledged. Is this another pie in t h e sky chupidness or is it a see with your eyes plan.
Of course the BVI can build roads. No doubt about it. Many lorries can drive on it with them 28000ton weight, only for it to last one month, then it will swell, shift and bubble up like the road on that stretch going from RiteWay east end all the way to the Catholic Church. That was the first time I was tempted to put a coconut tree in one of those holes.
Please get some experience road engineers to help, so that the tax payers money can do some of its best work that include drainage. The Dutch engineers are the best.
All the Roads mentioned were built by a private Company in the BVI. It was BVI Paving Ltd. Not PWD. They still exist and have a new Plant. You all not really serious about giving us Good Roads here, You all are just a bunch of JOKERS.
What happen to the million dollar asphalt plant that was purchased a few years ago?
Just ask the UK to kindly come in with their engineers and build some concrete roads.
” We’re capable of building our own roads ”
That is true but;. Reality is that the roads we build with our “capabilities” are worthless.
I think you are confused. The government is much more interested in stealing money.
Every ‘job’ that needs experience and expertise gets taken over by the government (buy a resort and try to run it?, negotiate with an airline, use marine radars to protect the boarders?)
The people need to get wise! When you hear this foolish talk, they are getting ready to steal money!
I will give Hodge the benefit of the doubt at this time. Two years from now, we’ll see how many times his team would have had need to refill substandard road works.