Latest update November 27th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- ExxonMobil reports ‘record September’ to shareholders as production peaks to 660,000 barrels
- Suriname to deposit royalty from oil to citizens’ bank accounts
- Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire brokered by US and France, to take effect Wednesday
- Fire completely destroys KN, Bhenas Footwear warehouse leaving hundreds of millions in losses
- We must demand a referendum to end this madness.
D’urban Park Project for May 12 completion
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, revealed at a press conference and tour of the incomplete D’urban Park Project yesterday, that contractors will be required to work double shifts so as to ensure
An aerial view of the Durban Park Project yesterday.
the scheduled competition, for May 12.
Just recently, the project was moved from the Ministry of the Presidency and assigned to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI). The reason for this move, Patterson said, was because the Ministry of Infrastructure has the capacity, expertise and resources to ensure that the product is ready for the hosting of the golden jubilee anniversary celebrations.
“It is a national project. It is for the nation. The jubilee celebration is not a singular activity. It is an activity, which will be celebrated by all Guyanese and at this stage, because of time constraints and mobilisation of equipment and resources, it was felt that it (will) be better handled now under the Ministry (of Public Infrastructure), which has the resources to so do,” the Minister said.
While Patterson acknowledged that the deadline is fast approaching, he declared that he has full confidence in his team’s ability to deliver.
“As you know it will be a push because there are two things; a fear of the rains and floods, and we have somewhat tackled that, and then there are some issues in the media of safety.
“But all of that will be addressed in time for the jubilee celebrations. We have examined the site and we have met all the persons so that there is an orderly handover and we have developed a plan,” the Minister said.
WORKS TO BE COMPLETED
Coordinator of the Works Services, Geoffrey Vaughn, was asked to make a presentation where he provided a scope of the outstanding works which includes, roofing and remedial works for the spectator bleachers; completion of the superstructure, walls and roof for the VIP stand; electrical wiring, lighting and power supply; completion of access driveways and bridges; sanitary facilities; and drainage works.
Vaughn stated that the completion of the bleachers would include the replacement of damaged members (beams, columns, decking), the installation of additional structural members and the installation of roof and guttering.
There are 27 stands and it is expected that four contractors (seven stands per contractor) will be asked to work on these and to pull double shifts so that the deadline can be met. The number of contractors will most likely increase, since there are some stands yet to be completed.
In keeping with the rules and regulations of the National Tender and Procurement Board (NTPB), Minister Patterson said that the contractors, who were prequalified by the Ministry earlier this year, during the opening of bids for infrastructural works, will be asked to make submissions.
“We usually prequalify contractors at the beginning of the year, so we would have had a list. We would have selected 13 to 15 contractors and then ask them to submit…they have to show that they [can] fulfil these requirements; that they have the capacity, the manpower and financial capabilities, because we are working double shifts so that would mean a double wage bill at the end of the week,” Patterson said.
The Minister added that the completion of the access ways, tarmac and parking area: paving of the VIP parking area, preparation of the finished surface in general parking area, paving of an 18-foot wide access way for parade vehicles and the preparation of the tarmac area, are all expected to be completed within the next three weeks.
The Ministry will be collaborating with the Ministry of Communities, Patterson said. The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be onboard to ensure that the cleaning and clearing of the drainage systems are carried out.
GRANT BEING PURSUED
As it relates to funding, Patterson told media operatives that a grant is “actively” being pursued, however Cabinet has approved $150M under the Infrastructural Development Line Item for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
“The funding in the initial stage is under a Line Item at our Ministry, which is for Infrastructural Development that can be used. There are alternatives, but has not [yet] been concluded, a grant funding, which has been earmarked for such development.
Cabinet has made available the sum under this Line Item and I can expend as much as $150M. However at this initial stage, we do have to get this finished before, so there won’t be need for any Contingency. The Grant funding can be used to fund the remainder of the works,” the Minister said.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
New $22.5M secondary school for Yupukari Village
Works ongoing on the new secondary school at Yupakuri Village, Region Nine. Kaieteur News- Soon children of Yupukari Village... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
