–Minister Edghill emphasises the importance of timeliness in completion of projects

IN a bid to hold contractors accountable for delays and poor quality of work, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by certain contractors on their job sites.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill emphasised the government’s aim to ensure development with minimal inconvenience to the citizens of Guyana. He noted that while the government has been supportive and accommodating to contractors, some believe they can deliver projects at their own convenience.

Citing the termination of the Trinidadian company Kallco from the Conversation Tree Road project, Minister Edghill praised the rapid progress made by S. Jagmohan and Sons Construction firm, who took over the project. “An example of the behaviour that I am referring to is the Trinidadian company Kallco that was awarded the contract for the completion of the Conversation Tree Road project that has been terminated. I am very pleased to say that S. Jagmohan and Sons, since being awarded that contract, have been moving at a rapid pace,” he said.

Despite the project being beyond its initial contract time, S. Jagmohan and Sons have been working swiftly to complete the task and bring relief to the affected citizens. Minister Edghill acknowledged the challenges posed by the prolonged rainy season and the incomplete work left by the previous contractor, emphasizing the need to address all drainage issues.

“S. Jagmohan is also advancing the section from Conversation Tree to Dennis Street, where we will link Conversation Tree and Mandela Avenue. So, again, I am pleased that both sides of the work are advancing, and I must also note that it is one project,” Edghill explained.

Minister Edghill reiterated the government’s commitment to providing opportunities for contractors while ensuring projects are completed within the contracted time. He stressed that challenges should not be an excuse for being lackadaisical or incompetent.

On Tuesday morning, Minister Edghill conducted a site visit to the Bendorff to Maripa Access Road project on the East Bank of Essequibo to assess the progress of work by JP General Construction Services. The project, which started in August 2023 and was scheduled for completion in February 2024, faced delays due to the contractor’s incompetence and inefficiency. As a result, the contract was terminated.

“The project started in August 2023 and was scheduled for completion in February 2024. However, due to the incompetence and inefficiency of the contractor, we had to terminate his contract. He hasn’t demonstrated that he can get the work done, and he has put the people who need to use that road in a more difficult position than when there was no road,” Edghill noted.

Despite the government’s willingness to extend the deadline and the contractor receiving poor performance letters and liquidated damages, progress remained unsatisfactory. Minister Edghill made it clear that the government would not tolerate exploitation of the system or the government’s generosity. “Even though this contractor’s contract time had passed, we granted his request for an extension of time; we have gone to liquidated damages; he has also received poor performance letters; and this is what it has come to,” he said.

Assuring the public of the project’s future, Minister Edghill confirmed that the Ministry of Public Works would engage a competent and reliable contractor to complete the job swiftly and efficiently. He expressed sympathy for the residents who rely on the road, especially during the rainy season, and asked for their continued patience as the government works to assign a new contractor.

“We at the ministry will use a process and engage a competent contractor to complete the job in a swift and timely manner,” he assured.

Minister Edghill underscored the government’s dedication to regional development and modernisation, ensuring that essential projects are completed efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all citizens.