The Public Works Department (PWD) says it is committed to delivering road improvements along the Carnival Tuesday parade route, to ensure revelers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
In a media release, PWD said the new route will traverse Old Parham Road, Simon Bolivar Boulevard, Sir Sydney Walling Highway, Parliament Drive, Queen Elizabeth Highway, Independence Drive, and Redcliffe Street.
“The PWD acknowledges that our road improvement efforts have faced unavoidable complications due to the sudden ruptures of decades-old cast iron water pipes. Additionally, the heavy-duty equipment required to deliver resilient roads sometimes causes vibrations and pressure changes which may also trigger leaks,” the release stated.
PWD noted that it has been actively working to avoid such situations, in coordination with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), by scheduling road improvements to follow the replacement of aged pipes. However, ensuring the public’s safety and comfort may sometimes require it to make critical road repairs before re-piping is conducted. APUA may therefore need to excavate newly refurbished roads to address arising leaks.
“The PWD understands and empathizes with your frustration when freshly resurfaced roads must be excavated for utility repairs. Please rest assured that we will conduct the required remedial work in the shortest possible time when these unavoidable situations do occur,” the release noted.
PWD is also expressing its thanks and appreciation to members of the public for the patience and understanding that they have displayed as the road improvement works continue. Additionally, the Ministry of Housing and Works is reassuring the public of its commitment to improving the aesthetics of St. John’s through tree-planting and other initiatives along refurbished roads and that it will keep the public informed along the way.
