Chief of Infrastructure, Planning, Research and Development in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr Duane Fraites said that the initial scope of the project was for the construction of three one-storey warehouses for prospective businesses but has since been revised to two, two-storey warehouse structure according to a release from the Government Information Service.

“We had to revise and reduce the overall footprint of the project to allow for another business to operate,” he said.

According to information, sections of the roadway, walkway, and parking areas were paved in the fourth quarter of 2021 while the construction of the two warehouses started after an open tender process was concluded last year.

June completion date anticipated - Mr Fraites

“We anticipate the completion of the warehouses in June,” Mr Fraites said while adding that the progress of the buildings was severely impacted due to delays in the shipping of the building materials among other challenges.

“Some of the challenges included, a three-month delay as two of three containers arrived in June of 2022, with the final container arriving and clearing in November 2022,” he said.

Following the completion of the warehouses, the road and walkway pavements will be completed. In addition, a new gazebo will be constructed and the bathroom building renovated.

During the groundbreaking ceremony in 2021, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said he hoped that the Economic Zone will be an “incubator for economic growth and empowerment for our people, and its success stories inspire all Virgin Islanders and districts to follow suit.”