Minister of Works Maria Browne and Minister Rawdon Turner on a tour of St. Peters
Minister of Works Maria Browne is appealing to those persons who continue to steal the cones and other road works equipment to cease.
Browne was speaking on state media when she made the troubling revelation of the growing issue as the road rehabilitation project continues throughout the island.
“We’ve seen some issues insofar as that is concerned because our cones they seem to grow feet and walk away within a few hours after placing them down. Our new signage same has happened there. So, this is just an appeal to the public.
“Please do not pick up our cones and signage. We are trying to work for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and I think as government assets and as safety notices, please do not interfere with the cones and the signage that are placed on the roads to detour traffic and to alleviate pressure from heavy combustion in traffic. Please just leave the cones and the signage alone,” Browne said.
To circumvent this matter, Minister Browne said that specific equipment will be acquired to make it harder for persons to steal them.
“This time in fact we have purple and pink signs and cones coming in so that if we are to pinpoint them anywhere else, we know they belong to the Ministry of Housing and Works,” she added.
Road work continues daily across community streets and a few major highways across the island.
It is well known that stealing is a preferred occupation among many residents of Antigua and Barbuda. Madam Minister, seems that you will just have to include funding for securing such property which taxpayers will be called upon to pay for. And don’t forget, there are other “groups” for want of a better word, also on the business of Constituency public works!!!
Madam Minister, people are not going stop stealing. It is in their nature—inherited through family bloodline—generations curse. I agree with Faithful National #1, find away to increase taxes to replace the stolen materials, equipment and tools. Who doesn’t take warnings will feel through paying more taxes—also the innocent will suffer along with the thieves. There are people in the country who know the thieves and not saying anything. By the way, what would a thief do with a cone? The aggregate I do understand but a cone.
Like they need to leave a security with the equipment at the end of the day
This is shameful. Do they think cones are souvenirs? Leave the equipment alone and let them do their jobs.
Funny how Antiguans behave! Don’t fix the road and they curse, but the moment you start work they thief the equipments and all a that
What a shame!!! We finally getting better roads but now you teefing di equipment. Aryou need banging with a bull whip/ katanine. I can’t stand a damn teef!
The Minister’s plea highlights a shameful reality public property, meant for public good, is being pilfered. Unless you’re planning on building a highway in your backyard, please, leave the heavy machinery where it belongs! Our roads need them more than your DIY projects.