Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has confirmed that funding has been secured for the project’s first phase, which will run from the Monchy Gap to the Cap Estate entrance.

Pierre announced that his government had successfully re-engaged the Kuwait Fund, which has approved financing for the long-awaited works.

He described the development as a major breakthrough after years of congestion and delays that have plagued Gros Islet residents and the wider motoring public.

“We have re-engaged the Kuwaitis, and I’ve got in my possession correspondence from the funders that says the loan has been approved for the first stage of the construction of the Gros Islet Highway. I know the people of Gros Islet and the people of Saint Lucia all have suffered from that congestion.”

As part of the government’s wider strategy, Pierre also announced the expansion of the vehicle carriage way on the Vieux Secrieux bypass road.

With a price tag of $23 million, the works are expected to commence as early as next month, ensuring an alternate route for motorists while highway construction is underway.

“We thought it would be better to expand it, to open it up,” the Prime Minister said. “So as we work on the highway, the bypass road will be expanded.”

Acknowledging demands from constituencies across the island, Pierre admitted that road requests continue to flood his office. However, he emphasised that Gros Islet’s congestion has made the highway project a national priority.