ANEGADA, VI — Residents and business owners on Anegada are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the island’s roads, describing the ongoing rehabilitation works as a “disgrace” and warning that the unfinished roadway is causing damage to vehicles while creating serious concerns ahead of the upcoming Anegada Lobster Festival.

The outcry comes weeks after Guavaberry Media reported that the long-awaited road project was finally moving forward following years of promises and delays.

But residents now say the road is in a worse condition than before, with large, sharp stones reportedly damaging vehicle tires, a narrow detour creating difficulties for motorists and businesses growing increasingly concerned about the approaching tourism event.

With Anegada Lobster Fest set to begin in approximately three weeks, residents are demanding answers from Government and the Ninth District Representative.

‘I HAVE NEVER SEEN A MORE DISGUSTING AND POOR EFFORT’

One resident with years of experience in development did not mince words when describing the condition of the road and the quality of the work.

“In all my years in development I have never seen a more disgusting and poor effort at putting down a base for a concrete road,” the resident said.

“It was disgraceful. It still is disgraceful and is not repairable without the correct A.B. base, that is then compacted and prepared properly.”

The resident also raised concerns about the large stones being used along sections of the roadway, claiming they have already caused significant damage to vehicles.

“The road that has 6” - 10” rip rap (crushed rocks) has (to date) cut and destroyed 5 tires.”

The resident said the damage has resulted in additional expenses and inconvenience.

“Now, I have replaced 7 tires .. more cost and wear and tear on the vehicles to go around back.

“It is an absolute disgrace.”

The comments raise questions about the construction methods being used and whether the roadway is being properly prepared before the concrete is laid.

MOTORISTS WARN OF DAMAGED TIRES AND DANGEROUS DETOUR

Another resident said the road has become significantly worse since the works began.

“This road is much worse than before. Driving on it now destroys tires. Those large stones have sharp edges and slice right through tires.”

The resident also described the alternative route as problematic, particularly when vehicles meet one another.

“The ‘detour’ road is single lane, no room for two vehicles to pass.”

The resident added: “Unbelievable that they have left such a mess!”

The reports of damaged tires and difficulties navigating the detour have heightened concerns about the safety and accessibility of the roadway, particularly as the island prepares to welcome an increased number of visitors.

‘WHY WAIT FOR LOBSTER FEST TO GET THE ROADS FIXED?’

Another resident called for urgent intervention, arguing that the community should not have to wait until the Lobster Festival approaches for the roads to receive attention.

“Good afternoon everyone in Anegada it’s a shame to see how the road’s has been roughly fixed and it has been a very sloppy job and we as Anegadian’s we are not settling for the way the roads looked,” the resident said.

“Why wait for lobster fest to get the road’s fixed?”

The resident also called for greater involvement of Anegadians in the rehabilitation and maintenance of their own roads.

“The government should hire the Anegadian’s to fixed the road’s and we will be guaranteed that they are fixed it should be all around road work to keep the road’s maintain.”

The resident urged the community to come together and speak out about the conditions, adding that Anegada deserves proper representation and infrastructure.

“It’s time for us to come together and speak out not just a Jew of us to do the speaking election is coming up soon so let us get our own representative for the island of Anegada.”

The resident concluded with a call for unity and action.

“Tortola road’s are fixed and we are not going to settle for less let us come together with God help.”

LOBSTER FEST APPROACHING — BUSINESSES WORRIED

The concerns are particularly pressing as Anegada prepares for its annual Lobster Festival, which attracts visitors from across the Territory and beyond.

The event is an important opportunity for restaurants, accommodations, transportation operators and other local businesses to generate income.

However, residents and business owners are now worried about the condition of the roads and the potential impact on visitors travelling throughout the island.

The festival will see hundreds of people moving between activities and establishments, raising questions about whether the road network will be safe and sufficiently accessible.

For residents, the concern extends beyond the festival.

The roads are used daily to access homes, businesses and essential services. The reported damage to tires and the difficulties associated with the detour are adding to the frustration of a community that has waited years for improvements.

GOVERNMENT MUST ANSWER

In September, Guavaberry Media reported that road rehabilitation works toward Cow Wreck were finally moving forward after years of promises.

The project was expected to be undertaken in phases, with approximately 4,800 linear feet of roadway targeted for rehabilitation.

But residents are now questioning the quality of the work, the pace of the project and the apparent lack of communication surrounding its progress.

The growing concerns have prompted calls for Government and the Ninth District Representative to provide a clear update on the project.

Residents want to know:

• Why has the road reportedly deteriorated to this condition?
• What standards and materials are being used in the road preparation?
• When will the unfinished sections be completed?
• What immediate measures will be taken to address the reported tire damage and narrow detour?
• Will the road be made safe and passable before Lobster Fest begins?

The community is also calling for a more consistent approach to road maintenance across Anegada, rather than improvements being made only when major events or public pressure demand attention.

For residents and businesses, the issue is no longer simply about an unfinished road.

It is about the quality of public infrastructure, the safety of motorists, the financial burden being placed on residents and the island’s ability to welcome visitors without exposing them to unnecessary difficulties.

With Lobster Fest fast approaching, the message from Anegada is becoming increasingly clear: residents want the road finished, but they also want it done properly.

Guavaberry Media will continue to seek a response from the relevant authorities regarding the concerns raised by residents and business owners.