Contractors say only “light work” being done at St Rose’s High

Contractors rebuilding the St Rose’s High School said that the works on the new wing of the school have not been abandoned.
This was disclosed just after the school’s Board of Governors said Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited (CBCSL) had seemingly abandoned the construction of the new wing of the St Rose’s High School at Church Street, Georgetown.
On Wednesday, contractors who were seen working said work was still going on, but “it is just light work”.
One of the workers revealed that they were not doing heavy work at the location, because there was a default with the design, and they are working to have that rectified. They said another reason for the light work was the recent preparations for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.
Through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board by the Education Ministry to the CBCSL in August 2018, following the demolition of the old building, the contract for the reconstruction of the building was awarded.
However, the redesign and approval process for the variation to that contract to facilitate the new piling foundation works took over a year.
The Ministry, after approval was given, tasked the contractor with installing approximately 220 timber piles late in 2019 following the completion of the variation process.
Guyana Times understands that the school’s Board was informed by the Ministry that the contractor had requested a mobilisation period to accumulate the piles, equipment, and the relevant personnel and that the variation piling works of the said contact were set to commence early in 2020, which did occur.
The Board alluded that as the variation process of pile installation unfolded, it observed that the CBCSL, in a peculiar move, refused to submit directly to them – upon formal request – or make public either its work plan for the variation piling works.
However, the CBCSL has denied this.
The school’s Board also said that the contractor sought to prevent the contracting entity (the Education Ministry) from holding regular stakeholder consultation update meetings with the Board or any other stakeholders which is vital for a project of this nature, size, and complexity, as it allows for smooth execution of works while keeping all informed of the issues and concerns arising from construction.
The Board, while reminding that space is sought since staff and students have been utilising the remaining parts of the school, said it was hopeful that the reconstruction would be executed in a timely, accountable, and effective manner to the satisfaction of all concerned, with the aim of maintaining the original contracted time line.
Back in 2018, $16.9 million was awarded to PD Contracting for the demolition of the old school building.
Back then, Board of Governors Chairman Kenrick Thomas had said that all options were explored before the decision was taken to demolish the school’s timber building which faces Church Street. The demolition was expected to pave the way for a modern building to be erected.
Thomas had assured that the replacement structure would incorporate many aspects of the original design and would integrate the design of the Marion and other wings on the property, including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.
The demolition exercise commenced on July 9, 2018.