The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), under the direction of the Ministry of Communications and Works, is further refining the scope of the ‘Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme’ to focus on the implementation of five critical road projects including: Fort Hill, Joe’s Hill, Windy Hill, Ridge Road, and Pockwood Pond.
These five priority roads were identified as part of the Ministry of Communications and Works’ commissioned Road Sector Resiliency Index Projects Hotspots Report from June 2024. The report prioritized roads based on hazard exposure, asset vulnerability, traffic volume, and the needs of affected communities.
The scope refinement is part of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ broader infrastructure agenda and this more targeted approach represents a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure improvement.
Previously, the Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme would have identified a total of nine roads. Plans for the remaining four road projects have been revised, with the Agency now tasked with implementing the five projects currently in motion. RDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Anthony McMaster, stated, “This strategic shift ensures that we can dedicate the necessary time and resources to these priority projects, delivering high-quality infrastructure improvements for the benefit of the Virgin Islands community.”
“The Territory’s road network has long been under pressure due to heavy use, and we are taking proactive steps to address these challenges. These projects, with enhanced drainage systems and upgraded infrastructure, will not only resolve current issues but also provide long-term relief for our communities,” CEO McMaster added.
Currently, the RDA is in the process of planning baseline schedules and budget cashflows and preparing the necessary documentation to facilitate procurement of design engineering services.
“Given the islands’ challenging terrain and vulnerabilities to disaster, robust technical design and resilient construction will be crucial to ensuring durable infrastructure to generally accepted international standards,” said Mrs. Shaina Smith-Archer, the RDA’s Director of Programme Delivery.
The Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme is aimed at increasing the resilience and sustainability of the selected road infrastructure and is expected to impact over eight miles of road. In some areas the scope will include integrating upgrades to the water network to the benefit of multiple communities with better access to a resilient road network, improved driving experience, and enhanced safety.
The RDA is committed to maintaining transparency and keeping the public informed on the progress of all projects. To learn more about these road projects and other recovery initiatives, visit BVIRecovery.vg.
Persons may also stay connected with the Agency on its social media channels for regular updates and milestones as the RDA continues to work toward improving the Virgin Islands’ infrastructure.
As the key implementing agency of public recovery and development projects, the RDA remains at the forefront of delivering critical infrastructure. With its impending transition to the Virgin Islands Development Agency or VIDA, the Agency is poised to continue managing implementation of key infrastructure projects, in support of and in partnership with Central Government.
The Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme is being implemented under the RDA’s Resilient Infrastructure Sector and the Roads subsector which is guided by the outcome statement: “High quality road network and coastal defenses with resilient designs based on climate risk factors, flood risk mapping and supplies from recycled materials.” Financing is provided as part of the Government’s recently acquired $100M loan funding.
