Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill yesterday terminated three projects in Region Three – two roads and a bridge – which were behind schedule, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
During an inspection, Edghill decided to terminate the projects on the spot in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara district.
“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 (appear) that we would have made life more difficult,” the minister said.
Road works on First Cross Street (SH), Aracari (DPI photo)
Road works on First Cross Street (SH), Aracari (DPI photo)
One significant project affected is the Bendorff to Maripa Access Road, valued at $55 million and which was 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,” Edghill declared. A similar situation occurred with the rehabilitation of a bridge connecting Zeelugt North and Tuschen North, and First Cross Street (SH), Aracari.
Edghill assured residents that immediate measures are being taken.
“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 said. A shortlist of contractors was to be provided by the end of the day to ensure prompt completion of these vital projects.
The terminations come as the government faces increasing scrutiny over the award of contracts and their monitoring.
