Third District Representative Julian Fraser has dismissed the idea of short-term repairs for the Sea Cows Bay Road, warning that any attempt to simply “patch” the damaged roadway would be futile.
Speaking during a live broadcast of Virgin Islands Voice, Fraser explained that a complete rebuild is necessary, given the state of the road’s foundation.
“It’s like a patient went to the doctor with appendicitis, and the doctor opened him for appendicitis and he found that he has a bad heart,” Fraser stated, describing the extent of the damage discovered after the asphalt surface was removed.
The Public Works Department began work on Sea Cows Bay road with the intention of resurfacing, but once the asphalt was stripped, officials discovered the roadbed had failed. As a result, the project has shifted focus to a full reconstruction.
“There’s no sense in trying to patch the road with asphalt, and it starts failing a few months after,” he argued.
Director of Public Works Jeremy Hodge said tenders are already out for a portion of the road to address immediate concerns. The full project is expected to span from the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School to the Palestina bridge and will include drainage and sidewalks.
“The first phase was putting in the drainage crossings, which are the three speed bumps that you see there,” Hodge noted. “And then now it’s to come back now with the comprehensive road installation, which would basically be us taking up the entire road and rebuilding it from scratch.”
Fraser’s comments come amid broader concerns about the state of road infrastructure across the territory. Works Minister Kye Rymer confirmed that $38 million from a $100 million loan has been earmarked for road repairs. However, only $13 million is allocated for 2025, with design and tender processes still underway for several major roads.
Residents have raised complaints for months about the deteriorated condition of Sea Cows Bay Road, especially as hurricane season approaches. Government officials are urging patience as they work through proper tendering procedures to ensure lasting road construction.
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