The inclusion of smaller contractors in road construction projects has boosted the capacity of the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) to carry out much needed upgrades to the road infrastructure, drainage, and accessibility in urban and rural residential communities.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw the importance of their inclusion “can’t be overstated enough”. Under MTW’s ongoing focused roadworks programme which started at the end of January 2025, a few small contractors have been working on some of the 29 roads identified for upgrades in St. Michael.
Speaking during a tour of Eden Lodge Main Road, 3rd Avenue Goodland, and 2nd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall in St. Michael yesterday, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Minister Bradshaw explained that a variety of approaches have been used, with smaller contractors either independently carrying out work on smaller roads, or working in conjunction with larger firms to either mill or pave roads. With this approach, she said, “People are happy that these long-neglected roads are finally seeing some love.”
To date, seven of the 29 roads have been completed. They are 10th Avenue New Orleans; 3rd Avenue Free Hill, Black Rock; Chelston Avenue; Deighton Road; Jessamine Avenue; Seclusion Road, Black Rock, and Villa Road. Fifteen roads in the parish are under construction and work will begin on another seven roads when the ongoing work is finished.
Emphasizing that this programme is being expanded to other parishes, the Minister said, the ministry is systematically addressing complaints and concerns raised by residents. She said
29 roads in the rural parishes are also being assessed and work will start shortly in residential areas. “This particular program really recognizes that in a number of the communities, particularly residential, what we tend to find is that because it’s not a main road, it has not been given the same priority that would have been given to a highway in previous years. So, what we’ve tried to do [under this focused initiative] is to address the issues of flooding by ensuring that we have the adequate drainage systems implemented, thereby digging wells if they are necessary; [and by] making sure that even as the contractors and our technical teams go through [these roads] that the water courses and the drainage systems are clear. We also recognize that people require sidewalks, or at least kerbs in small access roads for vehicles to mount the kerb to gain access or pull off the road. With a lot of these communities, you have elderly people who need the type of accommodation work to gain access in and out of their homes. So, the improvements are many.”
David Straughn, a consultant and partner with Alpha Omega Construction, explained that his company was responsible for work at Eden Lodge Main Road, Sorrel Avenue, and DaCosta Drive, both in Eden Lodge; in addition to 3rd Avenue Goodland in St. Michael. He said the scope of work at 3rd Avenue Goodland includes the complete reconstruction of the road. This involves excavating the existing roadbed, and refilling it with compacted marl fill to stabilize the road before repaving. The road width will be increased to five metres with a sidewalk on either side wherever possible. Another major improvement will be the installation of stormwater wells to minimize flooding issues in the area. Mr. Straughn praised the positive cooperation of residents throughout the process. “They are very, very happy that we are here to do this, and they understand the price of progress.”
He said the work on the Eden Lodge roads has been progressing well. Slipper and kerb, sidewalks as well as ramps are being built. Milling and paving are expected to start very soon. Also highlighting the benefits of MTW working with smaller contractors, he said, “We are happy that the administration has seen it fit to accommodate and put work like this in the hands of small capable contractors…. A lot of the machinery you see here is from small private individuals, and so the work is proliferating down to have that multiplied effect going through the different communities. So, I’m really happy about that.”
Over at 2nd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall, Leslie Weekes, Project Manager with Lot One Developments Inc., said work on their sites was progressing steadily. The small construction firm is responsible for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall; Grant’s Gap in Westbury; and Wavell New Development.
Project Manager of Lot One Developments Inc., Leslie Weekes explains the status of work at 2nd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall to Minister Bradshaw
Stating they did encounter a few challenges, Mr. Weekes explained that in Park Road the subbase material is a very dense mud, causing the scope of work and design to be more complex than initially planned. “Those changes have necessitated deeper excavations and a greater collaboration with [utility] services like the National Petroleum Corporation and the Barbados Water Authority. We had some bursts and they have always responded very, very quickly,” he said, adding that Lot One Developments Inc. sought to keep residents informed by maintaining frequent communication largely through WhatsApp groups.
Praising the use of small contractors, Mr. Weekes underscored that the inclusion provided valuable opportunities to showcase and promote their capabilities. He further highlighted that by using smaller contractors there is an increase in collaboration among other small businesses. “Using small contractors allows those funds to trickle down to ensure that everybody gets a little piece of the pie…. As a small contractor, I may not own all of my heavy equipment, so it forces
me, in a good way, to engage with other small contractors or with those who specialize in equipment and such, so it has been a good thing for all involved.” (SP/MTW)
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