THE MINISTRY OF WORKS SAID: We understand the concerns about pothole patching and appreciate the feedback.
While full road reconstructions are always the goal, temporary repairs are a standard practice worldwide to keep roads safe and passable in the meantime. Resources are allocated based on priority, and we continue working towards long-term improvements across the island.
Transparency is important to us, which is why we share all aspects of the work being done including routine maintenance.
Whether or not it is posted wouldn’t change the reality that maintenance is necessary and a common practice, so instead, we want to provide clarity.
Major roadwork is also happening all over the island and has been documented for weeks, and we remain committed to improving infrastructure for everyone.
Road patching is a global norm.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
But patching isn’t a long-term fix. When will we see full road resurfacing?
Glad to see the Ministry addressing the pothole issue. This is a major concern for drivers.
Time to hold APUA responsible for damages done to our vehicles from all the potholes in the roads. They also love to dig up holes and don’t leave anything behind indicating it has been dug up. I have lost count how much damage has been done to my vehicles. The worst thing is I have to pay for repairs to my vehicles thanks to the incompetence of APUA and the ABTB. We pay to license our vehicles every year and govt doesn’t keep our roads in good condition. Why are we paying for substandard roads that constantly damage our vehicles. Now they want to raise licensing fees. Bullshit.
Then you have two other issues. 1st issue is one where the roads are not built thick enough to withstand the pressure of the heavy 40′ containers as well as the heavy duty equipment. The 2nd issue is the drivers of trucks and heavy duty equipment are using bypass roads that are not built to withstand all that weight.
It’s time we held govt responsible for the damage incurred on our vehicles due to our substandard roads and conditions. No govt accountability at the moment and that has to change.
Is this a recent photo, of the #patch_work, been done?
A couple of things, if this is the case…
(z)…safety (boots, to gloves, goggles)!
(y)…putting asphalt mix into a dirt pothole on a dirt road will last but a minute after rains. Pouring concrete mix (cost is probably comparable) into the pothole, the concrete hardenes and is water resistant, unlike the loose porous asphalt mix.
#work_wiser!
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De’ole Dutty Peg 🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
While road patching is a global norm, the real problem is not the patching but rather the method of patching. Our method of patching is what I would call the sugar cake droppings, which really does not make sense. In other countries, a cut out in a square or rectangle is done to the damaged area and then it is fixed/patched.
I find it a bit shameful for the Ministry to try to defend what they do currently and compare it to international standards. The Ministry of works need to plan better – but we do bear in mind that sometimes their planning is influenced by other factors. But to the general public, it is hard when they start repairing a small patch and then take months to finish.
I am in full support of the increase to give us proper roads. I am not in support of the Alden Crump being given the opportunity to undertake such an important task. He is incompetent both as an engineer and far worst as an administrator. The director of PWD is an Administrative task and to accomplish what the government has in mind needs someone with proper management skills.
With this type of investment and money that will be spending, we also need someone with accountability and integrity. None of which he possesses. I can bet if the government don’t put someone to guard the cheese the PWD rats are going to steal all before it hit the roads. I also have the Gratest respect for the PS. Mr. PS do not let any of these crook let you have to go multipurpose.
Road patching is done all over the world, but when we patch here and vehicles pass over a few times they go back to the original state or even worse, the workers need proper training
No uniform
No boots
No mask
No goggles
No gloves
No health insurance
Public Works employees need to get a new UNION to put these basic things in their agreement
I wonder if the powers that be use All Saints Road on a regular basis. Hands down, the worst ‘main road’ in the world
CO William have been doing Factory road and round south roads for neons. They are still far from completion and already both of them needs resurfacing. They are full of bad areas and they too have been patching immediately after the
surfacing was completed . For years they have been blocking traffic on these two main roads , inconveniencing people. Of course we understand that we had to undergo inconveniences . There was a while that we had to drive all the way round to fig tree drive to get to work , those of us that live in Bolans. So it is very disheartening to have them being so incompetent. Seems that they are coming back almost on a daily basis, blocking traffic. They are doing the same thing ion factory road. When is this going to stop .
Then when these contractors are contracted by the government, isn’t the director of PWD responsible to see that the quality of the work is to standard. Shouldn’t the PWD have an engineering team checking that the preparation is to standard , the compaction , the materials used and the thickness of each phase be done in accordance to international standards.
That is why I am saying we need someone that is competent. Someone that will be interested in the quality of the work, instead of lining his or her pocket. Someone with integrity that will not compromise the quality and standards for selfishness/ self enrichment. Even if we have to bring in an international consultant and team to manage the refurbishing of our road network. I have not seen on a regular basis PWD engineers and not once Director of PWD ever observing, to ensure we get what we are paying for. All they are doing is using government resources and transportation to work on private Jobs. Government G’s are always parked on private projects .
They have even set up their own road construction and engineering companies , while working for the government. Unless we have people that are interested in working honestly we are not going to get anywhere. Can imagine them licking their lips now in anticipation of going for another killing.
PM you have mentioned this guy Wesley James and knows very well that he has the skill set. He is now working with Education on projects. He and his team there are doing on amazing job. Speak to the people from CDB. Speak to the People in Finance and you would get all positive results. Speak to the Minister and director of education about how they are handling these projects with such efficiency, accountability and high quality. They use regional and international consultants. They ensure that the tendering process is followed to the T. There is no corruption. PM you need to examine how they are running there projects, almost to perfection. You are the minister of finance, ask your FS about the competency and the administrative accountability.
If you Model the road construction with this type of accountability it would succeed. Again I believe you have the right PS at PWD. Don’t let this Director destroy your wife credibility. Surround her with honest, hardworking people. Don’t wait until things go bad then you have to fire people of threatening people to do their work. Be proactive about it now. Move the RAT from watching the Cheese.
Comments are closed.