Rymer: Road Conditions Unacceptable
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer apologised for deteriorating road conditions across the territory and pledged both short-term patching and longer-term rehabilitation projects. Cabinet has approved several contracts and sewage upgrades, with some works due to begin shortly despite earlier delays at the government's asphalt plant.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has acknowledged that road conditions across parts of the British Virgin Islands have fallen below acceptable standards, offering a public apology to residents and businesses affected by potholes and deteriorating surfaces. Speaking at a recent press conference, Rymer said: 'I will not offer excuses.
And I do apologise for the disruption this has caused residents and businesses.' He said the government is moving to implement both short-term remedial work and longer-term infrastructure projects. Targeted road patching is expected to begin shortly, Rymer confirmed, following delays linked to operational challenges at the government's asphalt plant.
He described those delays as not caused by negligence and said officials are addressing the plant issues to avoid further disruption. Rymer outlined several Cabinet-approved projects aimed at improving key routes. A contract has been signed for works at Sabbath Hill, and Cabinet has approved an overlay of the road from the West End Ferry Terminal to the Road Town Ferry Terminal.
The overlay package is expected to include new road markings and reflective centre-line markers to improve safety, particularly for night-time travel and ferry access. The minister also highlighted progress on sewage infrastructure that intersects with road and community development plans.
He said the second leg of the sewage project from Paraquita Bay to Long Swamp has been signed, and the first leg of the East End–Long Look Sewage Project is scheduled for commissioning next week. Rymer said these works will support broader neighbourhood improvements and reduce future road damage tied to sewage failures.
Road quality has been a recurring concern for residents, with many reporting increased travel times, higher vehicle maintenance costs and disruptions to daily commerce. Rymer said the government remains focused on repairing roads and delivering infrastructure that supports everyday services, tourism and economic activity, adding that the administration is also committed to protecting and expanding air connectivity.
Officials did not provide a full timetable for all repairs but stressed a mix of immediate patching and planned rehabilitation to deliver more lasting improvements. Residents are asked to report hazardous road conditions to the Ministry of Communications and Works so teams can prioritise urgent repairs.
Rymer reiterated the government's commitment to better roads and essential services and asked for public patience as work ramps up across affected areas.
Primary source: BVI News