$590M asphalt plant at Garden of Eden to be operational by April 6
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill on Friday visited the new Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant to assess its readiness for operation, which is scheduled to commence on April 6.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Ravie Ramcharitar and other senior officers, Minister Edghill learnt that some $590 million has been expended so far on the project.
The Chairman pointed out that in the near future, the relevant personnel will be trained to ensure that they can operate and properly manage the plant. The training will be facilitated by the German contractor.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Additionally, monies have been allocated for a new scale at the asphalt plant. This is especially important since the recent findings of an audit revealed that weighing of asphalt was being done at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, miles away from the asphalt plant, and thereby opening doors for possible skullduggery.
“We will not be tolerant of anyone who wants to beat the system. There will be swift and decisive action. The public purse must be protected at all cost and we want to be able to get things done,” Minister Edghill said.
He explained that the new plant will allow for more efficiency in road construction. He, however, called on the Private Sector to stay in the competition and ensure competitive prices and good quality products are delivered to customers.
“We are not going to be putting the Private Sector out of business, but we want to ensure that we are a part of the competition, if not the gold standard of setting the price on the market. Once we are able to economically reduce cost of production of asphalt it means the cost of the road would go down… rather than doing 10 road, we might be able to do 13,” the Minister explained.
Minister Edghill also posited that applications have been received and shortlisted for a Plant Manager. This process has been advanced, according to the Minister, and a new manager is expected to soon be named.
