IN an effort to promote a “healthier” environment for vending in Region 1, (Barima/Waini), the government yesterday signed two contracts for the construction of tarmacs at Mabaruma and Moruca. The signing took place at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Fort Street, Kingston, in the presence of Minister Ganga Persaud, Junior Minister Norman Whittaker; Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, and his deputy Seewchan.
The tarmac at Mabaruma, awarded at a cost of $37,116,160, was given to Joshi Construction and Transportation Establishment, of First Street, De Willem, West Coast Demerara.
Satar Mohamed and Son Construction and Hardware Supplies, of West Reliance Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, secured the contract for the construction of the Moruca tarmac, to the tune of $34,946,650. The duration of both contracts is 16 weeks.
Mr. Hiralall represented Joshi Construction and Satar Mohamed appeared on behalf of his company. They were both told of the ministry’s expectation that the work will be completed on time.
“The ministry, and other major players, will be tasked with monitoring and managing the projects. We, at the ministry, are going to be paying more attention in terms of timely delivery of our work, because one of the things that came out of our review is that we do have a lot of work that runs over both the budget and the timeline,” Croal pointed out to the contractors.
At least 40,000 persons will benefit from the Moruca tarmac, and in excess of 13,000 will benefit from the one at Mabaruma.
Commenting on the tarmac at Mabaruma, located at Water Front in Kumaka, Minister Persaud said the shifting of lands recently in this area resulted in serious damage and inconvenience to the vending areas. Thus, the Local Government Ministry, along with the Public Works Ministry, sought to find solutions to  the inconvenience.
When completed, the tarmac is expected to allow  vending in a much healthier environment, Persaud observed. The tarmac will also facilitate additional activities, including those for youths, mass gatherings, social engagements and physical interaction such as sports.
According to the minister, the contractors are well aware of the geographical locations at which these tarmacs will be constructed, and the terrain and difficulties associated with working in these areas, and hence he cautioned them against using these issues as excuses for not completing the work in the time allotted.
“Failing to deliver works based on the contractual arrangement, the terms of the contract agreement will be enforced,” Persaud warned.
Speaking on the tarmac to be constructed at the Amerindian titled village of Santa Rosa in the Moruca sub-region, Minister Whittaker said it will be used by farmers and other vendors to sell their produce.
Minister Persaud disclosed that both projects were advertised in the print media, bids were submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, and a team subsequently evaluated the bids and made the awards.