We are driving up the cost of construction — Penn

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has raised serious concerns about the escalating construction costs in the BVI, describing the situation as unsustainable and detrimental to the everyday person.

During the recent budget debate in the House of Assembly, Penn pointed out that rising expenses affect homebuilders and the construction sector at large. Penn criticised the current approach to government projects and resource management, which he said contributes to the issue. He highlighted the controversial delays surrounding repairs of the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex as an example of poor spending decisions.

“The complex needs to be fixed… the $14 million we’re projecting to spend over the next three years could build a building,” Penn said. He added: “I’m not against fixing the complex, I’m against the money that we’re spending to fix it. That $14 million is in addition to the money that we already spent,” he argued, pointing out that new buildings had been constructed for far less. Penn questioned why such a significant sum was allocated to repairs rather than exploring more cost-effective solutions, such as constructing additional government office spaces.