Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a major capital improvement project targeting St. John’s aging water infrastructure and surface roads. The initiative, detailed during an appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne Show,’ represents a strategic push to modernize the city’s core utilities and public spaces.
The comprehensive plan involves a complete replacement of decades-old water pipelines, a move designed to enhance system reliability and significantly reduce water loss through leaks. Beyond pipe replacement, the project encompasses critical upgrades to water storage facilities and a full digitization of the distribution network. This digital transformation will enable real-time monitoring of supply and pressure levels, allowing for more efficient management of the water system.
In a coordinated effort to maximize efficiency and minimize public disruption, the underground utility work will be synchronized with a substantial overhaul of surface infrastructure. Once the subterranean installations are complete, crews will proceed with the comprehensive reconstruction of sidewalks and the full resurfacing of roads in the affected zones. This phased methodology is intentionally designed to prevent the repeated excavation of newly paved surfaces, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and long-term infrastructural durability.
This urban renewal initiative is framed within the government’s broader agenda to upgrade public utilities and enhance service delivery for the capital’s residents and businesses. The modernization drive is seen as an essential response to escalating demand and a critical step toward building more resilient urban infrastructure for the future.