-
by pltm
(PLTM) - The Ministry of Communications and Works has already expended some ¾ of the $16M unsecured loan government borrowed from the Social Security Board (SSB) to fix the roads. The controversial loan was taken three months before the June 2015 general elections. Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Minister of Communications and Works disclosed that so far, they have spent $12,087,858.24. He said that this leaves a balance of $3,912,141.76 in the loan fund. The Minister also noted that the remaining funds will be used to conduct road projects in the areas of Sea Cow’s Bay, Belle Vue, Anegada, Virgin Gorda Lee Road section B and Jost Van Dyke. In November of last year, residents were informed that ongoing Territory-wide road works will not be completed until the next two years, with fears that government may have to seek additional funding. "We borrowed $16M for this and we are working towards it, but it might take probably two more years before we get it all done and even $16M can't do it all. We are hoping that we get as far as we can; the major areas and then we look at if we need more [funding]," he said at the time. Following the approval of the loan in the House of Assembly, there were several back and forth between members of the opposition and government over allegations that $700,000 of the $16M was not accounted for. Minister Vanterpool said that the works are being done under the Ministry, spearheaded by his Permanent Secretary Anthony McMaster, Public Works Department (PWD) and BVI Pavings. "I am pleased with the public response that we are getting about the roads. Everyday people walk up to me...how comprehensive you are fixing the roads; not just patching, but you are doing a good job," Minister Vanterpool said. "...I want to thank the public because it demands some patience. We are disgusting at times, we sometimes hold up things, sometimes it's a little rugged when we dig up, but we have a plan."
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
