The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) yesterday said that it has completed over 30 percent of works on stands during its first week of management of the D’Urban Park Development Project.
MPI was ordered by President David Granger to take over the project after shoddy work and poor quality materials were used by the previous group in charge. The stands are to be used for the independence jubilee observances.
In a release yesterday, MPI noted that its work on the project officially began on Friday April 22, 2016 and so far has been progressing on schedule, with all contractors being mobilised and all stands being allotted. It said that MPI engineer, Bhageshwar Murli, reported that approximately 300 persons have been employed to work on the 30 stands onsite. He added that at least four of the stands are at the roofing stage while others are still undergoing the “correction of defects and the completion of foundation works”.
“So far, everything has been progressing as scheduled,” Murli said.
He attributed progress so far to the use of the double shift system, to which all of the contractors have been adhering.
He however said that the weather has proven to be a hindrance. “The weather has been very, very unkind to us but we’re still pushing on. We’ve been stressing to all contractors the importance of pushing through the conditions,” Murli said.
He further explained that MPI workers have taken a very “hands on” approach to the project and have been working on their own shift system to ensure that the project is always overseen by an MPI official. He disclosed that briefings are held twice a day to maximise efficiency.
“We’ve shared the scope of works with all of the contractors during our briefings to ensure everyone is on the same page,” he said.
The deadline for the completion of the stands – and the entire project – is May 12, two weeks before Independence Day, the MPI release noted. The outstanding works cover six areas: roofing and remedial works for spectator bleachers; completion of superstructure, walls and roof for VIP stand; electrical wiring, lighting and power supply; access driveways and bridges; creation of sanitary facilities; and drainage works.
