SKN Prime Minister alongside Infrastructure Minister Assess Progress of St. Peters Main Road Rehabilitation

by Kevon Browne

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—On November 13, 2024, Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, alongside Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Works, and Alexis Hazel (Rock and Dirt Ltd.), contractor for the St. Peters Main Road rehabilitation project, toured the construction site to evaluate the progress of this essential infrastructure development.

The St. Peters Main Road is a crucial route for residents and commuters, connecting the expanding St. Peters area with Basseterre and other regions. Recognising the increasing traffic demands, the government has prioritised this project to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall transport efficiency for all users. 

During his visit, Prime Minister Drew expressed satisfaction with the progress made on a project anticipated to significantly impact the local community.

The Prime Minister acknowledged both the efforts of the Ministry of Public Works and the contractor, Hazel of Rock and Dirt, in adhering to the project’s schedule. 

He reassured concerned residents, stating, “We are on schedule. I know there are some concerns about things seeming to go slow, but this is a massive undertaking, and it is on time. I want to reassure them of that.”

Minister Maynard provided further insights into the project’s scope, elaborating on the extensive planning required before physical work commenced. He explained that much of the work was initially unseen because the “design of roads takes a tremendous amount of time.” He noted the complexities faced during the project, particularly related to existing underground infrastructure, which necessitates thorough preparation before visible components, such as sidewalks and pavements, can be constructed.

The rehabilitation project includes substantial improvements from the airport roundabout to Ogees, incorporating upgrades to road surfaces, drainage systems, and pedestrian pathways. These enhancements are designed to accommodate the area’s growth while ensuring the safety and convenience of all road users.

Prime Minister Drew called for community patience throughout the construction phase. He apologised for any inconveniences caused, emphasising the necessity of such disruptions in achieving substantial and permanent improvements. He assured residents they would be “immensely proud” of the completed project.

Other Unfinished Capital Projects in St. Kitts and Nevis:

In addition to the St. Peters project, the government focuses on various unfinished capital projects across St. Kitts and Nevis. This includes:

• Old Road Bay Rehabilitation: The new road along Old Road Bay remains unofficially opened as the road has yet to be commissioned because the project still needs to be completed. The contractors, Rock n Dirt Limited and Surrey Paving and Aggregates, are expected to finish the project at no cost to the government before handing it over to Public Works. The initial contract for the project was $31.8 million in 2019.
• Police Training Complex: Additionally, during the Budget 2025 National Forum held on October 31, 2024, Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance Drew announced essential developments regarding the Lime Kiln Project, which aims to enhance public safety and law enforcement in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Police Training Complex envisioned as a modern Multi-purpose Security Training Centre, held its groundbreaking ceremony in January 2014, backed by over $10 million from the European Union. Although a steel frame for the 38,741-square-foot facility was erected, construction halted due to poor management following the change in government in 2015. The Prime Minister set the goal of completing the Lime Kiln Project within the next fiscal year, which he believes will significantly enhance the security landscape in St. Kitts and Nevis.

​Prime Minister Drew has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these unfinished projects collectively while announcing that securing the necessary funding and resources will be paramount in completing them efficiently.​

Through these infrastructure developments, the government aims to transform St. Kitts and Nevis into a more connected and sustainable island state, improving the quality of life for all citizens and fostering economic growth through enhanced public safety and accessibility.