–following the award of several contracts for crucial capital projects
–Minister Benn warns contracts against ‘surprises’ during timespan of works

WITH over $963 million in contracts signed to execute capital projects under the scope of the Home Affairs Ministry, subject minister Robeson Benn has cautioned contractors to complete these projects in a timely manner, and without any hiccups.
According to a press release from the ministry, Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally, signed nine capital contracts for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in the ministry’s boardroom, on Monday.

The signing, according to the ministry, solidified the government’s commitment to modernising law enforcement infrastructure.
“These contracts, totalling an impressive $963,829,709, signify a substantial investment in bolstering the capabilities of the Guyana Police Force,” the ministry said.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister Benn, along with a team of engineers from the projects department, underlining the collaborative effort involved in these crucial initiatives.
Among the notable projects are: The reconstruction of Orealla Police Station, Region six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which will be carried out by 4S Security & Building Enterprise. The project is said to amount to $109,860,082.

Further, there was also the signing of a contract for infrastructural works at Den Amstel Police Station; this will be carried out by M&D Investments and is $88,942,350.
The contract for the reconstruction of North Ruimveldt Police Station by Vishal’s Contracting at $123,800,021, was also signed.

Additionally, a contract valuing $143,615,544 was signed for the reconstruction of the Mahaica Police Station by Kawal Ramdeen General Construction.
Also, is there are provisions for the reconstruction of Beterverwagting Police Station by Alliance Construction & General Supplies which amounts to $119,027,202.

The contract for the reconstruction of Imbotero Police Station in Region One by K&K Boat Building Construction & General Supplies was also signed at the amount of $144,900,000.
Further, the upgrading of Highway Patrol Base to a Police Station in Region Four by Hoosein Logistics & Supplies Inc is on the cards and is expected to be $121,687,160.

In addressing the contractors, Minister Benn underscored the importance of completing all projects within budget, on time, and with the highest regards for quality and safety.
He emphasised the need for strict adherence to project guidelines, stating: “All projects should be completed at or within budget. There should not be any surprises.

We’ve noticed some issues with the time and the quality, which seem to stem from a lack of attention to the contract’s distinct terms and conditions. It’s crucial that we all, as a team, understand and adhere to these conditions for successful project delivery.”
He added: “Quality and timely delivery within budget is of utmost importance. Safety is especially important.

We don’t want people injured on our projects. There’s money in these contracts to outfit your people with safety wear, helmets, safety boots, gloves, etc… And we want them to have those. We encourage you to pay attention to engineering contract management. You need to pay attention to your technician, engineer, and employees to get the job done in the way it’s meant to be done in the contracts.”

“We terminated a few contracts last month because people didn’t take us seriously. We were not the first government agency to do that. But we are coming under tremendous pressure to meet what is called the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP),” he further said.

Minister Benn called for enhanced communication and collaboration, stating: “I want to encourage you to inform us if there is a problem. If you have difficulties, let us know as soon as possible. If we have challenges that you think we could work with, let us know early. We have our engineers, the Permanent Secretary, Ally, and others. Let us work on this together to get it done. So, thank you all very much, and let’s work on this together.”

Further, Ally highlighted the crucial role that timely and high-quality project completion plays in the country’s economic growth and security.
“The economy is rapidly growing, and the rate at which we complete these projects is directly correlated to the security of the country and the quality to which it is done.

With that being said, I expect that all contracts are executed within scope, and on time and, most importantly, with quality being top priority,” he said.
Addressing the contractors present, Ally related: “The fact that you’re all sitting in this room means you’re all seasoned contractors. You would have executed contracts previously for this or a similar amount. We have a full team of engineers who will be supervising these projects.”

While reiterating the importance of adhering to the project requirements, he said: “As I mentioned, I expect all the projects to be finished within time, within the scope and budget, to the best of quality. I reiterated that because that’s most important, and that’s the bottom line.”
To ensure compliance and progress, he stated: “We will be managing these projects and checking in with you. If you fall behind, we’ll be sending you letters.”