Following the “amicable” end of Trinidadian company, Kallco’s work on the Conversation Tree road project, the government took possession of its vehicles and equipment to cover the advance payment that had been made to it.
Kallco’s section of the project had been severely delayed and the government had issued several warnings which culminated in the ending of its involvement earlier this year.
Questions posed by APNU+AFC MP David Patterson were yesterday answered in writing in Parliament yesterday.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said that the original contract for the Conversation Tree project was for a sum of $830,293,458. The construction period for this contract was from September 5, 2022, to November 5, 2023.
Regarding payments made, the Minister revealed that a total of $465,223,474 was disbursed to the contractor, including advances. Notably, no liquidated damages or other penalties were imposed on the contractor for delays, as the settlement was amicable. Instead, the Ministry took possession of the contractor’s vehicles and equipment valued at $153,600,000 to recover outstanding advance payments.
In response to queries about the new contract awarded to S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc., Edghill outlined that the Sole Source Method was utilized for procurement. This approach was chosen because the contractor had previously demonstrated effective and timely completion of the eastern section of the project and had a thorough understanding of the site.
Edghill noted that the project, which had previously caused considerable inconvenience to residents and delayed infrastructural development, is now back on track. Edghill emphasized the urgency of the project and expressed confidence that it would be completed well before Christmas.
Edghill also acknowledged the patience of local residents and their cooperation during the delays. In addition to the main roadwork, the Ministry has engaged nine small contractors to rehabilitate the boulevard along Conversation Tree, including constructing a walkway, installing lighting, and landscaping to enhance safety and aesthetics.
Further plans include extending the road network to connect Conversation Tree Road with Dennis Street and eventually Vlissengen Road. This extension aims to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and facilitate smoother navigation in the area.
The Conversation Tree Project was initially awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board in 2022. However, Kallco, the original contractor, faced significant challenges, leading to their removal from the project earlier this year. The government had previously indicated plans to terminate the contract with Kallco due to their inability to complete the work and apparent abandonment of the site.
The Conversation Tree Project was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board in 2022.
