In a significant address during the Budget Debate, Works Minister Maria Bird-Browne unveiled an ambitious building rehabilitation strategy targeting improved air quality and structural integrity across government facilities. The comprehensive plan, scheduled for implementation through 2026, addresses critical issues stemming from moisture intrusion and leaking roofs that have compromised indoor environmental conditions in multiple public buildings.
Minister Bird-Browne revealed that inter-ministerial collaboration between Works, Health, and Environment departments identified roof leaks as the primary culprit behind mold proliferation and poor air quality that disrupted operations in several ministries. This discovery came after thorough inspections confirmed the direct correlation between structural deficiencies and deteriorating working conditions.
The ministry’s technical team initially experimented with specialized sealants before identifying a more effective compound that is currently being deployed across government facilities. This strategic shift has already yielded tangible results, with successful roof-sealing completions at several high-profile structures including the Parliament Building, High Court Building, Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Tourism – all previously plagued by significant leakage issues.
The 2026 expansion plan will prioritize the National Archives alongside continued upgrades at medical clinics and healthcare facilities nationwide. This phased approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to both preserving historical documents and ensuring health service continuity.
Beyond immediate repairs, the ministry aims to address longstanding maintenance backlogs while establishing healthier work environments for public servants. This building rehabilitation initiative forms part of a broader infrastructure modernization agenda that incorporates road improvements, enhanced drainage systems, and climate-resilient construction standards designed to withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns.