Minister Maria Browne
As the road rehabilitation expands across the island, so is the personnel and shift hours at the Ministry of Works.
Minister Maria Browne revealed that already additional staff has been hired to assist the various groups involved the road rehabilitation project.
“More work means more staff, more hands-on deck needed, and so we’ve been actively hiring. We’ve been hiring staff for road crews, heavy-duty equipment, driving, and staff at the concrete plant, staff at the hot mix plant, and we’re still hiring.
“So, anybody who is interested can go to the Ministry of Works and sign up, and they would need a copy of their ID and a police record,” Browne mentioned on state media earlier this week.
A shift system for night work on the roads is also being looked at.
“We’ve already started in town insofar as night work is concerned, and we’re looking to put in a schedule system. So, we’ll have shifts, but we’re still in talks with the union and the staff in terms of implementing this but going forward we should see some more shifts come on stream, and we’ll have more night work across country,” Browne stated.
This same system will also be implemented at the quarry as the demand for materials for the hot mix plant is growing as well.
“What we’ve done, we’ve worked at the quarries, so we’re now producing over time, and at the hot mix plant as well too, they’re working overtime and so we’re seeing more and more materials being produced to be able to supply these road projects that we’re carrying out.
“With the overtime, we’re also going to introduce shift systems at those plants as well, so that they can work into the night, and we’ll have optimum output,” Browne added.
There are also plans to reach out to the neighbouring islands to acquire some materials.
“What we’re seeking to do, we’re seeking to procure some of our material, possibly from Montserrat and other places within the region. However, we do have some testing that we are currently undergoing, so that when we get back the test results, we’ll be able to decipher whether or not it’s worth procuring from outside,” Browne explained.
Overnight work continued in St. Johns on Sunday night with crews active on Independence Avenue and Redcliffe Street.
Road work continues daily across community streets and a few major highways across the island.
Now that’s what I’m talking about. My hat’s off to you Madame Minister for making better, safer roads a reality in our beloved Antigua. Thank you for all your hard work. I mentioned the following some time ago but I believe it’s worth mentioning again since it falls under your perview…..
While I know economically things are slow, the buildings in St. Johns need some serious rehab. In some cases a fresh coat of paint would do wonders aesthically. In this case , give the owners notice to repair and or repaint their buildings and the option of having you do it at cost through public works. Put tgem on a repayment plan if necessary. This will certainly provide additional employment opportunities for those who need jobs. Tear down the old dilapidated vermin infested eyesores at owner’s expese. New roads coupled with freshly painted/ rehabilitated/ renovated buildings will look amazing.