Minister Stephenson King has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing “climate resilient” roads as part of the Year of Infrastructure 2030 initiative.
This strategic plan encompasses not only roads but also other structures across the island. The Road Improvement and Maintenance Programmes (RIMP) are executed periodically and in stages.
He highlighted the challenge of intermittent road projects, where some roads deteriorate even after rehabilitation. To address this, the department evaluates road conditions, considering climate resilience and other factors.
“So, you come in and spend $50 million and rehabilitate certain roads, while other roads are deteriorating,” the minister told reporters at a recent media briefing.
The strategic plan also includes policies, operational procedures, and road design standards. He emphasized the need to balance climate hazards with human behaviour patterns.
He stated that the department’s crew goes to rehabilitate roads, but shortly after rehabilitation “one of our friendly utility (companies) would come and dig up the road … and then, as soon as it is dug up, you see the deterioration of that road.”
To address this issue, The Minister explained that the department will install new waterlines to ensure that when the road is constructed, there is no interference, possibly for another 10 to 15 years, which is the lifespan of those constructed roads.
The matter is a priority for the department, with local participation expected at the International Road Confederation Conference in Puerto Rico next month.
He emphasized that the matter is of grave concern to the department “and it’s something we are beginning to sensitize and, hopefully, garner international support.”
He disclosed that a local team will likely be participating in the upcoming International Road Confederation Conference to be held in Puerto Rico next month.
“And, if all goes well, that is a relationship where engineers, road builders, and persons involved in structural engineering would meet to discuss new technologies and proper road construction,” he stated.