New measures expected to improve the timeliness of payments to building and road contractors

Works Minister Maria Bird-Browne says the government has introduced new measures to improve the timeliness of payments to building and road contractors, following concerns raised during a recent sector-wide meeting.

Bird-Browne said contractors identified two major challenges affecting project delivery: delays in receiving payments for completed work and difficulty obtaining essential tools and equipment, many of which must be imported.

She described the meeting as a pivotal moment that brought long-standing issues fully into focus.

In response, the government has introduced a new system designed to keep contractor payments more current and reduce the lag between completed work and disbursement.

The minister also confirmed that the Cabinet has approved arrangements to facilitate the importation of specialised tools and equipment needed by local contractors, addressing one of the primary obstacles discussed during the consultations.

Bird-Browne said the changes are intended to strengthen relationships between contractors and the Ministry of Works, reduce project slowdowns caused by cash-flow constraints, and improve the overall execution of government infrastructure projects.

Looking ahead, she said the administration expects 2026 to be a strong year for infrastructure delivery, with contractors, the Works Ministry and the wider government operating in closer alignment.

The new approach is expected to enhance efficiency, support local contractors and accelerate planned upgrades across the country.

The government’s broader 2026 infrastructure agenda includes roadworks, drainage upgrades, public-building repairs and climate-resilience improvements.

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