“Modern infrastructure is the backbone of our modern economy.”
This from Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, while detailing the budget allocation for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, which totals $1.943 billion in the next fiscal year.
Minister Tancoo highlighted 566 projects which are projected to “bring lasting solutions and more climate-resilient communities.” In addition, the ‘Boots on the Ground Initiative’ will identify roads, drains, and bridges in need of rehabilitation, to ensure and restore safe, reliable access nationwide.
“Under the Strategic Drainage Plan, $13.8 million will fund studies and designs in South Oropouche, and $60 million for structural works in Caroni and Oropouche. The Flood Mitigation and Erosion Control Programme will execute 18 ongoing and 119 new projects worth $238.6 million, with $29.95 million, that’s $30 million assigned for river clearing and embankments in high-risk communities.”
There are plans to spend $126 million within the Port of Spain to East–West Corridor. Works will include an overpass at the Churchill–Roosevelt Highway and Southern Main Road junction, and the Macoya Interchange design.
“Upgrades continue on Saddle Road, Wrightson Road, Uriah Butler, and the South Trunk Highways. Major highways include the CRH Extension to Manzanilla – $155 million; Valencia–Toco Road – $248.7 million; and Solomon Hochoy Extension to Point Fortin – $351 million. Ninety-three projects will repair landslides, bridges, and rural roads, including the rehabilitation of the Naparima–Mayaro Road.”
Noting that incorporating technology in the sector is key, Minister Tancoo says a National Transportation Policy is in the works to reduce collisions through better signal equipment.
“We are rolling out the National Transportation Policy to cut travel times and reduce collisions through better signal equipment, backup power, and a modern Traffic Management Centre. The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) will introduce electric buses under a leasing pilot of 30 projects by mid-2026 and expand routes through a PPP with maxi-taxi operators to ensure rural connectivity. The Intelligent Public Sector Transport Solution will feature a commuter app, e-ticketing, and real-time schedules.”
The Finance Minister notes that investing in bridges continues, with seven major projects under the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme.