Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pledged that the government's road construction programme will continue well beyond the upcoming general election, stating that funding is already secured and the initiative is not tied to the political cycle.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks during an appearance on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show, where he sought to reassure the public that ongoing infrastructure works will not slow or halt after the polls.
"No one should ever think that the roads will stop after elections, because we have monies committed… to continue to build out roads," Browne said.
The prime minister indicated that at least $100 million has already been committed to the programme through a financing arrangement with local banks, supplemented by funds generated through government operations. He said the administration is currently using cash flow from those operations to finance active projects, while the additional financing will support continued expansion of roadworks across the country.
"We're using cash flows from government operations to fund these roads," Browne said, adding that the additional funding would ensure sustained progress.
Browne described the current pace of construction as unprecedented, noting that roadworks are simultaneously underway in multiple communities.
"This is the first time in the history of this country that anyone would have witnessed roads being built in every single community," he said.
While acknowledging that all roads cannot be repaired at once, the prime minister said the government is taking what he called an aggressive and sustained approach to infrastructure improvement. He added that the bulk of the work could be completed within 12 to 18 months.
"We can't fix all the roads at the same time, but… we have it under control," Browne said.
The prime minister also outlined plans to strengthen the Public Works Department, including the hiring of additional engineers and skilled workers, as part of broader efforts to accelerate construction and improve operational efficiency.
Road conditions and infrastructure development remain prominent issues heading into the general election. Browne maintained that the programme forms part of a wider national development strategy and is not an election-driven initiative.
