BK International Inc. received an additional $195M despite failing to construct the full length of the new access road to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) , according to a performance audit conducted by the Auditor Office, which also found that the project was marred by millions of dollars in overpayments, numerous delays and unauthorized works.
Among the main findings contained in the audit report which was tabled in Parliament yesterday was that though only 1.7 km of the required 2.5 km roadway was constructed, there was no reduction in the $618.426M contract sum. The length of road constructed by BK International should have cost $420.529M based on rates quoted in the contract but the company received $615.647M; an extra amount of $195.118M.
The audit covered the period 1st January 2011 to 15th September, 2016.
According to the report the construction of the access road was in keeping with the four-lane expansion project and the expansion of the airport. It stated that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) (formerly the Ministry of Public Works and Communications) awarded the contract for the contraction of 2.5 km of roadway from the Timehri Police Station to the Terminal Building at CJIA. The report stated that the contract was regarded at a major infrastructure project for the government. The works, it was stated were slated to be completed within one year from its commencement on 12th July, 2011. However the works were incomplete as at 15th September, 2016.