Overtime for Public Works Employees Approved As They Work Around the Clock to improve roads

The Antigua and Barbuda government has approved overtime payments for Public Works employees involved in extensive road repair projects, according to Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst.

Speaking during a Post-Cabinet briefing, Hurst outlined the coordinated efforts of various agencies to address longstanding road issues across the country while ensuring workers are adequately compensated.

“The Cabinet took the decision that they must be paid the overtime, and as a consequence, sums have been set aside to make payments to them,” Hurst announced.

The move comes as Public Works teams have ramped up efforts to repair roads, often working at night to minimize daytime traffic disruptions.

Hurst credited the Prime Minister’s recent remarks for energizing the Director of Public Works, who has since taken a proactive approach to both executing and publicizing the progress of roadworks.

“The Prime Minister’s words may have acted as a fillip of sorts,” Hurst said. “What the Director has learned is that if he does his own PR work, there’s greater appreciation for the quantum of work which he is undertaking.”

The coordination between Public Works and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has been critical to ensuring the success of these projects.

Hurst pointed to recent work at the corner of YMCA near Government House, where broken pipes under the road surface were repaired by APUA before Public Works resurfaced the road. Similar projects have been carried out west of Woods, with night crews working to avoid traffic congestion.

While highlighting the progress, Hurst also urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, particularly in school zones and residential areas.

“We want to discourage drivers from doing 40 miles an hour in a 20-mile speed limit zone and doing 60 or more miles an hour in a 40-mile zone,” he said. “Otherwise, they are posing a danger to themselves and others—both property as well as human life.”

The government emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Works, Public Utilities, and the Treasury to improve road safety and infrastructure.

Hurst expressed gratitude to all those involved, noting that the repairs are aimed at making Antigua and Barbuda’s roadways “better and safer” for all users.

Road Repairs

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