Delays in shipment, limited concrete suppliers stall CH&PA building
The construction of a new headquarters for the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) is stalled due to the supply of construction materials.
In response to written questions posed by Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson to Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, it was disclosed that an extension time is currently being reviewed by the CH&PA with approval from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The new date “will be provided shortly,” the Minister promised.
The delay he said is due to delays in the shipment of materials for the steel superstructure and limited availability of concrete suppliers with concrete pump trucks.
An artist’s impression of the new headquarters
The contract was awarded to Aika General Construction and Hardware Supplies Inc, Mac Junior International, N Balgobin & Sons Contracting Service & Electrical Supplies and Amazon Cooling Inc to complete the projects in phases. The phases commenced at different times in 2023 and 2024.
Situated at Houston, along the Mandela to Eccles Highway, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the new complex will comprise two buildings, one designated to host the Ministry’s secretariat, and the CH&PA, while the other will serve as the headquarters for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
Also, in response to questions from Ferguson, the Minister disclosed that the construction of the GWI building is also stalled. This contract was awarded to Kares Engineering Inc.
According to Croal, the delay in construction is due to the inclusion of a fourth floor of the building. He noted that a revised completion date is currently under review.
The five-story housing Ministry building is being constructed at a cost of $741.5 million, while the four-story GWI building will amount to $562 million.
The new facility will house in excess of 320 staff members and is being constructed on a plot of land measuring approximately 214’ x 407’ (2 acres). The building measures approximately 150 ft in length x 105 ft in width and is designed with a parking area catering to over 100 vehicles.
