The Ministry of Works has begun preparations for the planned Barbuda Roads Project, with officials meeting the Barbuda Council on Wednesday to assess roads ahead of the start of works.

The ministry said the engagement focused on evaluating roads on the sister island in preparation for the project.

The assessment comes days after Prime Minister Gaston Browne said road construction in Barbuda was expected to begin during October.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Browne said approximately

$35 million from the Caribbean Development Bank

would support the programme, with the government expected to add at least another

$20 million

.

“We have about, what, $35 million from the Caribbean Development Bank, and we will add at least maybe another $20 million to build out new roads in Barbuda,” Browne said.

He said a contractor had been identified and that the financing was in place.

“They’ll be starting later this month,” Browne said. “I think they have a particular contractor who they have negotiated with to commence work this month. Everything is approved now. Money is available.”

Wednesday’s road assessment involving the Ministry of Works and Barbuda Council is the latest step toward commencement of the project.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Ministry of Works, Barbuda Council Assess Roads Ahead of Barbuda Roads Project.