PM HARRIS LAUDS HIS MINISTER OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF CAPITAL PROJECTS IN ST. KITTS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 17, 2019 (SKNIS): At his monthly press conference on January 16, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris highlighted a number of capital projects that will make a name for the Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd and said that “he will well be remembered as the Minister who had been most efficient and effective in the delivery of public infrastructure in this country.”

“His record in less than four years is second to none in the history of Parliamentary representation and self-control of government affairs so I congratulate him,” said Prime Minister Harris.

The Prime Minister noted that there are four projects that fall under Minister Liburd’s portfolio that will be further rolled out this year. These are the Old Road Rehabilitation Project, the Resurfacing of the Island Main Road, the Fisheries Breakwater Pier and the RLB International Airport runway resurfacing.

He said that the Old Road Bay Project will include reconstruction of 1.2 km of road with adjusted shoreline which will represent a permanent solution to the disruption in the main road network on the western side of St. Kitts in the aftermath of hurricanes.

“The tendering process is completed and negotiations are being finalized with prospective contractors. This project will generate 120 jobs in 2019 and is estimated to be completed within a 12-month period,” he said.

He noted that the Island Main Road project will continue in 2019 and that the road network from Keys to Challengers via Cayon will complete the circle of the “most expansive road resurfacing programme in the last 20 years.”

“As all of us delight in the improvements in our roads, our drivers are urged to exercise due care and attention when driving.  In particular, I must appeal to all drivers to resist the urge to speed on our roads thereby minimizing accidents, loss of life and damage to property,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the Fisheries Breakwater Pier will be starting shortly with St. Kitts Marine Works being the successful bidder for the project, which is estimated to have a five-month construction period.

“It is great when we can find local talent to execute major projects. It is a hallmark of our government that where we can, we have welcomed and encouraged our local contractors to participate in the public sector infrastructure development,” he said.

He said that the government has been addressing several deficits in the infrastructure at the Air and Sea Ports and expressed that “the enhancements we are making were long overdue and will significantly enhance customer and stakeholder experience.”