The Barbuda Council has completed a major road construction project at significantly lower cost than similar work by the Central Government. Member of Parliament Trevor Walker highlighted the achievement, noting both cost efficiency and higher quality standards.

Speaking on Observer AM, Walker said the Council built a concrete road from the village to just past the gas station on River Road for just over EC $3.7 million. In comparison, a similar project by the Central Government a decade ago cost nearly EC $11 million.

Walker explained that the government’s earlier project, completed around 2014 or 2015, covered a shorter distance than the Council’s new road. “We constructed a longer road, confirmed by measurements, and spent just over $3.7 million,” he said.

The MP emphasized that independent testing validated the quality of the Council’s work. Engineers from the Caribbean Development Bank conducted strength testing on the recently completed road. They concluded the concrete used by the Council had a higher PSI than the government’s previous project.

Walker noted that the Council’s project included additional infrastructure improvements. “We even added drains on parts of the road, which you have seen,” he said. These enhancements contribute to durability and long-term usability.

He expressed pride in the Council’s achievement, especially given financial constraints faced by local government. Walker explained that agreements with contractors and careful project management helped complete the work efficiently.

“This project shows that we can achieve high-quality infrastructure while using public funds responsibly,” Walker added. He also said the Council plans to continue roadwork projects soon, building on this success.

The project’s completion comes amid ongoing tensions between the Barbuda Council and the Central Government. Disagreements over resource allocation and revenue collection have marked relations on the sister island for several years.

Walker concluded that the Council’s approach demonstrates the effectiveness of local governance. He suggested that careful planning, cost control, and community-focused initiatives can achieve better outcomes than centralized projects.

Overall, the successful construction of the River Road project highlights the Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Local residents are expected to benefit from improved roads and safer, more reliable transportation routes.

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