Tortola Paving Wins $14M Road Contract
Tortola Paving Ltd, owned by businessman M. Ashley Ritter, has been awarded a $14,088,620.02 contract to asphalt roads from West End to Road Town. The bid beat four others, though three competing offers were lower; the government has not yet announced a signing date or start time for the work.
Tortola Paving Limited has been named the successful contractor for a major asphalt paving project stretching from West End to Road Town (RT), the Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reports. The company, owned by long-time local businessman M. Ashley Ritter, submitted a bid of $14,088,620.02 and prevailed over four other bidders.
VINO noted that three of the competing bids were lower than Tortola Paving’s, but the Government is not required to accept either the highest or lowest bid in procurement decisions. Local residents and motorists have long complained about deteriorating road conditions in several parts of Tortola, with Sea Cows Bay and the West End frequently singled out for potholes, erosion and uneven surfaces.
Road users and business owners have argued that poor road conditions increase vehicle maintenance costs, slow travel times and pose safety risks. The contract award comes as the Administration of Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has secured a US$100 million loan intended in part to address infrastructure and other pressing needs across the territory.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether funds from that loan will specifically underwrite this paving project. Attempts to obtain comment from the Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Rymer, and Acting Permanent Secretary Elvia Smith‑Maduro were unsuccessful prior to publication.
The government has not announced a timeline for signing the contract or for the start and completion of the works, leaving residents uncertain about when improvements might begin. Procurement decisions typically consider multiple factors beyond price, such as technical capacity, compliance with tender specifications, past performance and delivery timelines.
Local stakeholders have said they want the Government to publish contract details, including the scope of work, expected schedule and quality assurances, so communities can hold implementers accountable. If carried out promptly and to specification, the project could significantly improve safety and connectivity for commuters, commercial traffic and tourism activity on Tortola’s main corridor.
Until more details are released, residents and motorists will be watching for official announcements on signing, construction start dates and plans to manage traffic during repairs. VINO reported the award; further updates are expected once the Ministry for Communications and Works releases formal documentation or comments.
Primary source: VINO