An arial view of road works at George’s Hallow, Tortola on November 8, 2025. Road infrastructure will be a priority for the Ministry of Communications and Works in the 2026 budget. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) announced that approximately one hundred and one million, three hundred thousand dollars ($101.3M) will be allocated to the Ministry of Communications and Works to support its programmes and projects. Photo: GIS

The Government of the Virgin Islands says it is working assiduously to rebuild the water distribution system that has been subjected to decades of underinvestment and degradation. Photo: Facebook

Works are progressing on rehabilitating and upgrading roads and water infrastructure in the Territory. Photo: GIS/Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), in the 2026 Budget address delivered under the theme, “Pillars of Progress: Building a Sustainable Nation”, on November 6, 2025, stated that the allocation for each ministry is allotted by carefully balancing finances to ensure that Government’s priorities are properly resourced, while complying with the fiscal requirements under the Public Finance Management and other legislation, policies, and obligations under the Protocols for Effective Financial Management.

Premier Wheatley in the 2026 Budget Address listed a plethora of projects and initiatives that the allocated funds for the Ministry of Communications and Works will go towards that are aligned with the Government’s priorities, such as investments in energy, water, transport, and technology, aimed at reducing costs, supporting sustainable growth, lasting roads, reliable utilities, and systems that support a thriving Virgin Islands.

Water Infrastructure

Premier Wheatley said, “Through the Ministry of Communications and Works, my Government is working assiduously to rebuild the water distribution system that has been subjected to decades of underinvestment and degradation. An assessment of the water infrastructure was completed through a collaboration with Operators Without Borders, a Canadian non-profit. The assessment revealed that many components of the system are inoperable and must be replaced. These include pump stations, pumps, pressure valves, and other critical fittings and fixtures essential for maintaining steady water flow and pressure. These are being procured.”

Transportation Expansion

The Premier added that the Government is also making strides in the expansion of the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport to improve facilities, enhance capacity, safety, efficiency, create jobs and attract visitors. He said, “we are advancing our transportation infrastructure for sustainable growth. The Cabinet, guided by the business case submitted by KPMG, has approved the expansion of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, selecting a 7,000-foot runway extension to support larger aircraft and direct flights from major regions. This project will improve travel options, increase tourism and investment, create jobs, and is planned to begin construction in 2026 after identifying qualified partners through an Expression of Interest process.” 

Road Rehabilitation

Premier Wheatley also stated that works are progressing on rehabilitating and upgrading roads in the Territory. He said, “The Paraquita Bay to Hodge’s Creek route is almost complete and will be fully paved before year-end. This also includes provisions for electrical conduits and new water transmission lines to ensure provisions for utilities. Additional road works are going through various stages of the procurement process, such as Sea Cows Bay, Fort Hill, Ridge Road and Windy Hill, Mount Healthy and Sabbath Hill, while works have commenced in areas such as Greenland, Shepherd’s Hill and Georges Hallow.”