Govt terminates several contracts over delayed community works in Reg 3
Minister Juan Edghill engaging Bendorff residents on the road project
The government has demonstrated its zero-tolerance policy towards contractors causing project delays by terminating several infrastructure contracts on Tuesday.
The contracts were incomplete and the timeline for the projects had ended. These projects are crucial for improving citizens’ livelihoods and the country’s landscape.
According to a DPI report, during an inspection on Tuesday, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill decided to terminate the projects on the spot in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara district.
Inspection of works at a bridge connecting Zeelugt north and Tuschen
“As a ministry, we have to take responsibility for the inconvenience and the difficulty that you are facing…The intent was that we should have brought relief to you by building the road because when we embark on a road project, it is to improve the lives of people but to the contrary, it would be that we would have made life more difficult,” the minister is quoted as saying.
One significant project affected is the Bendorff to Maripa Access Road, valued at $55 million awarded to JP General Construction and Services on August 2, 2023.
The six-month contract involved constructing a 1000-metre road. However, the contractor completed only 45 per cent of the work, prompting the minister to terminate it. “We have to work with principle. So, you are no longer on this project,” Minister Edghill declared.
Road works on First Cross Street (SH), Aracari
A similar situation occurred with the rehabilitation of a bridge connecting Zeelugt North and Tuschen North, and First Cross Street (SH), Aracari, facing significant delays.
“I am committing to you that this work will be completed within a few months. Whoever it is contracted to it will not be 6 months. They will have to work day and night to complete it,” the minister promised. A shortlist of contractors will be provided by the end of the day to ensure prompt completion of these vital projects,” the minister said as he assured residents that immediate measures are being taken.
