Resurfacing the island’s roads remains a major priority, the public works minister said during an outline of his budget for the coming year.

Jaché Adams said the ministry planned to spend $5 million of its allocated $84.1 million on road resurfacing and pothole repairs over the fiscal year.

Motorists have been complaining about the state of the island’s roads in the past two years.

Asked why more funds could not be spent on road resurfacing — the ministry spent the same amount last year — Mr Adams said that the ageing asphalt plant could not produce enough material to warrant further spending.

He said: “We’re operating with an aged asphalt plant, which to some degree limits our productivity.”

A new plant is expected to be operational early next year.

Mr Adams added: “More money doesn’t make things operate any quicker because we’re still operating with an old asphalt plant.

“When that new asphalt plant arrives, I think the residents of the country will see a vast improvement not only in the quality of the asphalt but the output and how quickly we will be able to repave the roads.”

The Government also plans to recruit eight full-time lifeguards to safeguard beachgoers all year round, in addition to team of about 20 part-time lifeguards, with $800,000 to be spent.

Mr Adams acknowledged that there was a problem recruiting local lifeguards and that the ministry was working to make the job more attractive.

He said that the bill to replace the Swing Bridge in St George’s would be between $50 million and $60 million and that $3.8 million would be spent this year on “preparatory work” before construction started.

A further $1 million will be spent refurbishing several of the large government-owned water tanks that store public supply.

Mr Adams said: “This is a response to recent years, where below-average rainfall and higher usage placed strain on supply in some areas.

“By sealing leaks, upgrading pumping systems and improving catchment areas, we’re strengthening our capacity to weather dry spells and respond to emergencies.”

Mr Adams said that $600,000 had been allocated to enhance amenities in national parks such as playgrounds.

“We want to encourage more people to get outside and connect with nature and that means ensuring our parks are clean, safe and welcoming for all ages,” he said.

A further $400,000 will be spent on coastal protection projects such as strengthening seawalls, restoring dunes and reinforcing natural buffers.

Mr Adams said: “We've all seen what a single storm can do to a beach or shoreline

“These proactive steps are how we protect our homes, infrastructure and ecosystems. It's another way we are laying the groundwork for the future.”