Works Ministry allocated over 15% of budget

The Communications and Works Ministry is expected to receive roughly $74.9 million dollars to fund a variety of infrastructural development projects set out in the 2024 budget.

This amounts to 15.92% of the total budget, and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the allocation for the ministry will be $54.57 million for recurrent expenditure and $20.38 million for development.

Premier Wheatley shared an overview of the development projects to be funded, which include improving air and sea ports, upgrading road infrastructure, enhancing water and sewerage networks, and renovating buildings for the staff of the Water and Sewerage Department, Public Works Department, and Fire and Rescue Service.

“For our industry to continue growing, it needs the supporting infrastructure. The upgrade and expansion of the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport to handle increased passenger arrivals and larger aircraft that are capable of bringing in visitors from further distances is critical to the further development of our tourism industry,” Dr Wheatley said during his budget speech recently.

The Premier indicated that projects such as the construction of the new West End Ferry Terminal must be prioritised.

He said the Ferry terminal will make a tremendous contribution to boosting the territory’s tourist arrivals and creating business opportunities across the islands, particularly in the western part of the territory.

“We are moving forward with plans to expand the airport. Informed by the results of the recent visioning meeting with stakeholders, $3 million has been allocated for development projects at the international airport to improve facilities, enhance capacity, safety, efficiency, create jobs and attract visitors,” Dr Wheatley added.