The National Archives has been named among the government buildings slated for renovation next year, as the Ministry of Works prepares a broad programme to address roof leaks, mold, and air-quality problems across the public sector.

In her Budget Debate presentation, Works Minister Maria Bird-Browne outlined a series of building-repair priorities for 2026, including planned renovations to the Archives alongside ongoing upgrades at clinics and other health facilities island-wide.

The minister said several public buildings have been affected by poor air quality caused by leaking roofs and moisture intrusion, problems that have led to mold growth and disrupted operations in some ministries.

She said the Ministry of Works has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Department of Environment after inspections confirmed that roof leaks were the primary source of the air-quality issues.

The ministry initially attempted to use a specialised sealant to address the leaks, but after performance challenges, it switched to a more suitable compound that is now being applied across government buildings.

Roof-sealing work has already been completed at the Parliament Building, the High Court Building, the Prime Minister’s Building and the Ministry of Tourism, which had been experiencing a significant leak.

The programme will expand in 2026, with more roof-repair and sealing operations planned across public facilities, including the Archives.

The minister said the ministry intends to continue clearing backlogs of building-repair requests and place greater emphasis on creating safe and healthy working environments for public officers.

The public-building rehabilitation effort forms part of the wider infrastructure agenda outlined by the government for 2026, which includes road upgrades, drainage improvements and climate-resilient construction standards.

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