Former Minister of Infrastructure, Housing,Planning, and Development, Sean Astwood, has voiced serious concerns about thedeteriorating state of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ infrastructure,particularly the roads and traffic systems. Highlighting potholes, worseningtraffic congestion, and a lack of proper maintenance, Astwood criticized theDepartment of Public Works for failing to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.He argued that the condition of the nation’s infrastructure is not justinconvenient but poses significant risks to public safety, quality of life, andeconomic prosperity.

 

Astwood proposed immediate and long-termsolutions to address these critical issues. In the short term, he recommendedreinstating the drainage management program to prevent flooding and damageduring storms, deploying traffic officers at high-pressure points in Provo, andconsidering traffic lights and minor reconfigurations at key intersections. Forthe long-term, he emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive traffic studyto design a road system capable of supporting the country’s growth for the next50 years. This would include creating alternative routes, overpasses, largerroundabouts, and legislative changes to manage vehicle sizes and numbers. Hecalled on the government to allocate resources to implement a robustmaintenance program and address both immediate repairs and long-terminfrastructure upgrades.

 

Astwood also criticized the currentadministration for abandoning the PDM's 2016 infrastructure plan, which focusedon paving roads in underserved communities, building drainage systems, andupgrading major roads like Leeward and South Dock highways. He warned that thegovernment's patchwork approach to repairs is inefficient and a waste ofresources. Responding to the minister's dismissive reaction to publicdissatisfaction, Astwood reminded leaders that the people deserve better,stating that infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment to itscitizens. He urged decisive action, significant investment, and bold leadershipto ensure the safety and well-being of the community, calling foraccountability and an end to the neglect that has allowed the country’sinfrastructure to crumble.