These delays have angered commuters and the government, with bus drivers in particular demotivated from traversing the Highway.

Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King, has cited operational difficulties on the part of the contractor for these delays. At the end of 2023, the contractor provided a tentative completion date for the first quarter of 2024. The contractor has released their schedule of works since the commencement of January 2024, without announcing any pause.

“We are hopeful that with some new operational arrangements that the contractor has entered into, we will see some improvements. This project has been entangled in numerous challenges,” the Infrastructure Minister said this year.

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre had previously mentioned the difficulty in terminating the contract with CO Williams Construction Ltd last year. However, Minister King revealed that discussions between the involved parties have led to more flexible contract terms, allowing for the sourcing of better materials overseas.

“We are at the crossroads of determining whether we should terminate the contract and move on or whether we should continue to hope that the project will be delivered within the framework of the grant agreement and the conditions set out by the CDB,” Minister King explained.

The contractor disclosed that their focus until February 11th will be the completion of all utility works at the Cul De Sac Junction.