The Ministry of Housing, Works and Urban Renewal will prioritise the most vulnerable areas for road improvement under the soon to be implemented road programme.
Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Clement Antonio, said both he and senior minister, Maria Browne, have wasted no time in bringing relief to the residents and road users in several areas, including Loblolly Road in Greenbay Hill.
“We heard the cries of the people for urgent repair work to be done on Loblolly Road and we responded, even though the area is not represented in Parliament by someone sitting on the government side,” he noted.
Antonio explained that the ministry’s strategic road improvement plan will focus attention on the areas most in need of work, irrespective of who the area’s parliamentary representative is.
“We are an inclusive government, and our decisions are not going to be influenced by such concerns.
“As a government, we intend to function in the interest of all citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda,” he stated.
Senator Antonio revealed that the ministry’s plan of action involves meeting with staff at all levels to discuss their concerns and challenges with a view to resolving them.
“It’s important that we meet with the staff and listen to their needs because this will determine how we can get the best out of them as we move forward to address the government’s priority; to address the infrastructural challenges in the country, mainly the roads and drains,” he said.
Already, meetings have been held with the Permanent Secretary Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim and Director of Works, Alvin Crump.
Meetings with technicians and staff will begin this week.
These meetings will include staff employed at the quarries and other departments under the aegis of the ministry.
