BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jan.11.18- THE MINISTRY of Public Infrastructure is currently in the process of formalizing the necessary documents to begin resurfacing the island-wide main road.
According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Ian Liburd, the Ministry is in the process of preparing to send out the “designing tenders”, which would be done during the course of this month.
Speaking with SKNVibes, the Minister explained that the tender process takes about three months to be completed, and the works would begin shortly thereafter.
However, he disclosed that minor works would begin shortly, such as drainage upgrades.
The Minister noted that the entire contract would be one that lasts for approximately 18-months.
“The major works in terms of the resurfacing would be done sometime next year, but works in terms of drainage, widening of the roads and so forth would start in earnest throughout the year.”
The government has for the last two years promised to have the roads resurfaced, but this is the first time they have taken the necessary action to have it done.
Minister Liburd in 2016, after announcing the plan to have the road resurfaced pointed out that the roads were neglected for over 15 years.
“The island main road was last resurfaced 15 years ago. It has gone beyond its life span,” Minister Liburd said.
He explained that the general lifespan of asphalt roads are eight to ten years, and has chastised the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, Asim Martin.
“Believe it or not, in St. Kitts we have over 107 miles stretch of roads. The last time the island main road was resurfaced was 15 years ago…so what happened is that all the roads are crumbling; you see potholes all around the place.”
SKNVibes News understands that the entire project is expected to cost approximately EC$125 million.
