“It is highly disrespectful” – Edghill to Reg 9 contractors on displaying mediocrity 

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has warned contractors of a zero-tolerance policy for delayed and subpar work during an inspection of a number of bridges slated for rehabilitation within Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo),
Last year, the Public Works Ministry signed over $5 billion in contracts to reconstruct 32 bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem and 13 bridges between Mabura and Kurupakari, upgrading them from wooden to concrete structures.
As the first 32 bridges are slated for completion within the next four months, Edghill noted a level of dissatisfaction with the progress seen during his visit.
“The contractor was not on site to meet me, neither were the workers on the site. It is highly disrespectful for a contractor to sign a contract with my Ministry…and they’re not on site. It seems some people want to do work at their time [but] mediocrity will not be condoned in any way,” Edghill said.
He remarked that the purpose of this inspection was to assess the pace and quality of work and pinpoint areas that need to be readjusted.
While the Minister commended the work of some contractors in adhering to the contract stipulations and deadline, he stressed the need for all to complete their assigned lots in order for the Ministry to deliver on its promise to the beneficiaries.
“There’s no time at all that I will tolerate contractors showing disrespect or disregard to instructions and moving at their own pace,” Edghill said.
As such, he disclosed that clear instructions will be given to the contractors failing to meet expectations.
“[After reviewing] all of this with my engineers, clear instructions will be given to the contractors–either they follow it or they walk,” Edghill said.
Last April, $3.19 billion in contracts were signed to upgrade the 32 bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem while later in December, contracts amounting to some $2.4 billion were signed to reconstruct the bridges between Kurupukari and Mabura.
Bridges are being rehabilitated in areas including Iwokrama, Surama, Carmudi, Massara Junction, Annai, Yakarinta, Gunip Landing, Point Ranch, Hunt Oil, and Pirata.
This bridge project forms part of the Government’s overarching plan to develop and upgrade the Linden-Lethem corridor, with the bridges aimed to link to the construction of the Linden to Mabura road.
The first 10km stretch of roadway under the Linden to Mabura Hill Road Project is expected to be completed by September.