The Government of the Virgin Islands signed a contract earlier today for the rehabilitation of culverts and roads at Fortune Ghut Carrot Bay, as it continues to improve the Territory’s infrastructure.

 Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool signed the contract on behalf of the Government while Mr. Autley Crabbe signed on behalf of Autland Heavy Equipment Company Limited. The contract is in the sum of $504,408.42.

The proposed works will comprise the construction of culvert crossings, three of which are reinforced concrete box culverts, one reinforced concrete circular pipe culvert and the reconstruction of a road.  The works will also include furnishing all plant, labour, equipment and materials.

In an interview following the contract signing, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool said Government is continuing to repair and improve the infrastructure of the Territory because of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Otto in 2010.

Minister Vanterpool said, “Fortune Ghut in the Carrot Bay area was affected by this storm and we’ve been working towards this point where we can improve it in the event of future flooding.”

The Minister added, “As a Government we are pleased that we are able to begin the process with Fortune Ghut and in the not too distant future it will be completed and the residents in the Carrot Bay area and throughout the Territory will feel a lot safer.”

Mr. Dion Crabbe, of Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd., expressed gratitude to the Government for another opportunity to execute the necessary works within the allotted time. 

The Infrastructure Rehabilitation Loan Project is a joint venture between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Development Bank to improve the Territory’s infrastructure that sustained damage as a result of the impact of sub-tropical storms in 2010.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to ensuring that the Territory’s public infrastructure is safe and secure for all of the Territory’s residents and visitors.