MP Rawdon Turner has highlighted a surge in construction activity across Antigua and Barbuda, leading to supply challenges in cement. Speaking in Parliament last week, Turner noted that demand is exceeding supply, prompting plans to dredge Crabbs Peninsula to accommodate larger shipment vessels.

“Construction in Antigua and Barbuda is booming,” Turner stated in Parliament. “Last year alone, the sector contributed over $100 million to the economy. But with that growth comes challenges, and right now, the demand for cement is outstripping supply.”

He explained that the current cargo ships delivering cement are too small, forcing frequent shipments that often fail to meet market needs.

To address the issue, the government has initiated a dredging project at Crabs, the key industrial port used for importing cement.

“We are deepening the channel at Crabs to allow larger vessels to dock and unload bigger shipments,” Turner said. “This will help stabilize supply and prevent frequent shortages.”

He dismissed concerns about environmental damage, noting that the area has been dredged multiple times before and that the current work removes primarily bedrock and large stones, not seagrass or marine habitats.

With major infrastructure projects, commercial developments, and housing expansions underway, Turner underscored the critical need to ensure a stable cement supply.

“The country is growing, and we must ensure that the materials needed to sustain this growth are available,” he said. “We are taking the necessary steps to keep development on track.”

The government’s efforts to expand cement supply align with broader infrastructure initiatives, including plans for road expansion, hotel developments, and new housing projects.

Turner reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to facilitating economic growth while addressing logistical constraints, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains on a steady path of progress.