Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said Antigua's road infrastructure could be significantly improved within the next 12 to 18 months, as his administration accelerates a broad works programme backed by substantial committed funding.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show, where he confirmed that at least $100 million has been secured to continue construction efforts across multiple communities.
"Because we have monies committed, at least another $100 million… to continue to build out roads," Browne said.
The prime minister announced that a strategic decision has been made to have the Public Works Department take on major projects directly, including the rehabilitation of All Saints Road. He argued this approach would cut costs and deliver greater value for money compared to outsourcing the work.
"They'll be able to do it far cheaper, and I think we'll get better value for money," he said.
To meet the increased demands of the programme, Browne said Public Works is being expanded through the recruitment of additional engineers and skilled workers. He added that salaries are being adjusted upward to attract higher-quality personnel.
The prime minister expressed confidence that a well-resourced Public Works Department could resolve the country's longstanding infrastructure challenges within the stated timeframe.
"We believe that well-equipped Public Works will be able to resolve the country's infrastructure maybe within the next 12 to 18 months," Browne said.
While acknowledging that all roads cannot be repaired simultaneously, Browne said the pace and scale of the current programme represent a meaningful shift in how roadworks are being managed across the island.
"We can't fix all the roads at the same time… but we have it under control," he added, pointing to what he described as rapid improvements already visible in communities across Antigua.
Browne also signalled that the infrastructure programme is intended to continue regardless of the outcome of the upcoming general election, cautioning against any disruption to what he called the current momentum in national infrastructure development.
The government has been ramping up roadworks in recent months, with projects underway in several communities as part of a wider push to modernise and upgrade the country's road network.
