-despite weather, materials challenge

THE dismal weather conditions over the past weeks and delays in the supply of materials have presented challenges to contractors working on the four-lane expansion projects on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.However, Chief Roads and Bridges Officer of the Public Works Ministry, Ron Rahaman, told the Guyana Chronicle that works are progressing, nonetheless.
According to him, works on the East Bank of Demerara are approximately 40 per cent complete.
The East Bank four-lane project is divided into three lots. The first is being done by Dipcon Engineering; lot two by General Earth Movers in association with Geico Construction and General Construction Services; and lot three is being done by BK International.
Rahaman pointed out that since the contracts for works on the East Coast of Demerara, which got underway earlier this year, were awarded differently, works are at different stages for different sections of the roadway.
“For Lots One and Two, works are about 70 per cent complete and for Lots Three, Four and Five we are looking at 75 per cent completion. Works on Lot Six are about 80 per cent complete,” he said.
Lots One, Two and Five are the responsibility of Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd, although Falcon Engineering Services was initially tasked with Lot One. However, Falcon’s $468 million contract was terminated after engineers from the Works Ministry found that the contracting firm was behind schedule and was allegedly carrying out substandard work. Lots three and four are being undertaken by Courtney Benn Contracting Service. Salba Engineering is responsible for works on Lot Six.
Completion of all road works is slated for 2014.

(Vanessa Narine)