ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Ministry of Public Works has said it requires at least $60 million to have the majority of the island’s roads in good condition, but only has about $16 million.

The department is asking for patience as it works with the budget.

Officials say despite the limited resources, they have begun undertaking a series of road repair and reconstruction projects.

According to Senior Engineer Craig Williams, 98 per cent of roads in the Johnson’s Point area have been repaired and the same amount of progress has been made on the Jolly Beach main entrance road.

In St Claire Heights the department said it had completed 60 per cent of road repair operations and would build the Hermitage Road from scratch.

Williams said the Fort Road area, Liberta, the back of Cashew Hill and Jennings are already receiving attention from the department.

He wants Antiguans and Barbudans who have long complained about poor road conditions to be patient as projects unfold.

“I would ask the public to be very patient with us. We are trying our best. If we are not in your area now, we will be there soon.

“We are aware that the roads are in a bad situation so hopefully we will be there soon,” Williams said in an interview with OBSERVER Media.

He said his vision for the island’s road “is to give people access to their property.”

A redesign of the Sir George Walter Highway and Friars Hill Road along with bridge-building works are also among the department’s plans.

(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)