Cement Shortage Nearing End, Government Says

The government says ongoing cement shortages affecting construction and infrastructure projects in Antigua and Barbuda could soon ease as dredging work near the cement silos at Crabbes nears completion.

The update came Tuesday during the 2026 Throne Speech delivered by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

The Governor-General acknowledged that shortages of cement have posed challenges for the government’s ambitious road rehabilitation and infrastructure programme but indicated that officials expect the situation to improve shortly.

“A shortage of cement has been a challenge; however, as the dredging of the channel leading to the silos at Crabbes nears completion, that scarcity of cement will be of the past,” Sir Rodney said.

The remarks came during a section of the speech highlighting ongoing roadworks and public infrastructure projects across Antigua.

The government said major highways including the Sir George Walter Highway, Friars Hill Road, Sir Sidney Walling Highway, Valley Road from Golden Grove to Old Road and the Parham to Willikies Highway have either recently been repaired or are undergoing upgrades.

Work also continues on All Saints Road, while secondary roads within villages and communities are being paved simultaneously, according to the speech.

The Throne Speech further disclosed that a consortium of banks has agreed to provide EC$150 million to support road rehabilitation projects through a vehicle user-fee arrangement.

The Governor-General also praised Works Minister Maria Browne and staff within the Ministry of Works for managing the infrastructure programme.

“My Government expresses its sincerest thanks to the Minister of Works, the Honourable Maria Browne, for her management of a workforce that has performed admirably,” Sir Rodney said.

The cement shortages have affected multiple construction projects regionally in recent months amid supply chain pressures and shipping challenges. The government, however, indicated that completion of the dredging works at Crabbes is expected to improve the delivery and storage of cement supplies moving forward.

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