Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that government-operated quarries and asphalt production facilities are working extended hours to support ongoing road rehabilitation across Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne explained that despite the government not yet accessing the $100 million loan earmarked for national road upgrades, roadworks have already begun using local resources. He said the Ministry of Works has ramped up production at its facilities to meet rising demand.

“The hot mix plant is operating overtime, and the quarries are producing the material we need,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that the government had begun preliminary works in several communities, drawing on local revenue streams while final financing arrangements with commercial banks are being finalised.

“That $100 million road loan that we announced — the Ministry of Finance is still finalising the agreement with the banks. We have not touched a cent of it yet,” Browne confirmed.

The move to intensify local production is part of a broader push to reduce reliance on imports and maintain momentum on urgently needed road repairs, particularly in areas affected by flooding, erosion, and heavy traffic.

According to Browne, once the loan agreements are complete, the government will scale up the road programme significantly, focusing on critical arteries and long-neglected communities.

He also rejected opposition claims that the funds had already been mismanaged or misspent, calling such assertions “baseless.”

“We’re managing this process carefully. There’s a clear plan, and the groundwork is already being laid with the resources we have,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing public concern over deteriorating roads and calls for more visible progress on national infrastructure. While large-scale resurfacing projects are yet to begin, Browne said that behind-the-scenes efforts are already laying the foundation for a broader transformation of the country’s road network.