Latest update January 17th, 2025 6:30 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

ECD four-lane expansion…Ministry admits five percent concrete failure

Jan 10, 2014 News

 
–    Tries to discredit related report

Of 439 metres of concrete tested in Lot Six of the East Coast Demerara Public Road four-lane expansion project, only 25 metres failed the assessment.
This is according to the Ministry of Public Works, which in a press statement yesterday, sought to dismiss reports that the contractor, Colin Talbot Contracting Service, is executing poor public works between Mon Repos to De Endragt.
On Wednesday, this newspaper published that the concrete strength for this project had failed and even though the contractor may not meet the project deadline of March 2014, he was awarded another contract.
But the Ministry in response stated that “an overzealous individual without proper authority approached the media in an unsavory way to try and tarnish the reputation of a contracting company”.
“The Kaieteur News article titled “ECD four-lane expansion…Contractor executing poor works, awarded another contract” on January 8, 2014 gave readers the impression that during a 28-day period, the concrete used by Colin Talbot Contracting Service was below standard,” the statement read.
The Ministry is adamant that only five percent of the concrete strength was slightly below the criteria for a short section of the drainage works that were carried out by the contracting company.
“In fact, out of the 439 metres concrete tested only 25 metres failed the assessment,” the release indicated.
The Ministry said that with any laboratory testing – whether concrete or soil – conducted by the Ministry, it allows for the contractor to correct any defects.
“The company has been one of the most dependable and reliable contractors the Ministry has worked with and it is unfortunate that the preliminary findings have been made public before quality control or corrections can be done,” the Ministry said.
However, it did not clarify if indeed sections of the newly-built drains and roadway are failing due to its “five percent” weakness.
The source that the Ministry is attempting to discredit had told this publication that the structures are now failing due to heavy-duty machinery transporting building materials for residents.
According to the source, previously the contractor only wanted to carry out works during the nights, which made it difficult for personnel from the Ministry to inspect works.
“The poor quality work being executed was possibly the reason why the contractor wanted to work at nights,” the source opined. The Ministry also did not comment on that matter. In addition, it did not mention the award of an additional contract to the contractor.

 

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 13th, 2025

 

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Windies captain Brathwaite stresses bravery, belief ahead of Pakistan Test Series

Windies captain Brathwaite stresses bravery, belief ahead of Pakistan...

Jan 17, 2025

SportsMax – With the stakes high and the odds challenging, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has placed an unyielding focus on self-belief and bravery as key factors for his team to deliver...
Read More
In-form Savory dazzles on second day with classy half-century

In-form Savory dazzles on second day with classy...

Jan 17, 2025

Moo Milk sponsors National U12 Chess tourneys

Moo Milk sponsors National U12 Chess tourneys

Jan 17, 2025

Determinators’ 2-1 win over Pele FC keep them alive as DeJonge needles Potaro

Determinators’ 2-1 win over Pele FC keep them...

Jan 17, 2025

Lusignan Golf Club to host Inaugural GBTI Mastercard Golf Classic this Sunday

Lusignan Golf Club to host Inaugural GBTI...

Jan 17, 2025

GFF Referee department recognizes top performances at Referee Award Ceremony, FIFA badges issued

GFF Referee department recognizes top...

Jan 17, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]