The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

Minister of Public Works and Transport Neko Grant flew into Exuma, Wednesday afternoon, for the contract signing ceremony of various infrastructure works for that island.

The construction of the Georgetown Dock, the repair of the ferry dock bridge connecting Little Exuma and Great Exuma, and road repairs in the immediate area of the dock, were all signed for immediate construction.

The works will cost approximately $987,000, $764,000 and $149,000 respectively.

The Georgetown Dock’s initial construction contract was signed on January 14 2011 with R&F McKenzie Construction but was terminated on 14 January 2011, Mr Grant stated.

G&L Construction, the second lowest bidder, has been engaged for the project instead.

“A review of site conditions after Hurricane Irene had passed in August 2011 revealed that the original refurbishment programme was no longer applicable due to extreme changes in the site conditions,” he said.

The bulkhead of the dock was deemed to be “beyond repair” by the structural engineering department, Mr Grant explained.

“It is evident that the repairs are urgently needed in light of the importance of this dock to the economy of this island.”

G&L Construction has tendered $986,837.75 for the project which is expected to be completed within 24 weeks.

The 593-foot Ferry Dock Bridge creates “an important transportation link” between Little and Great Exuma, Mr Grant said.

At mid-span lies a steel draw bridge which was constructed in 1966 and its steel and concrete components are in reported “poor condition”.

“This was confirmed by a structural assessment undertaken by Caribbean Coastal Services for my ministry at which time this company also prepared a structural rehabilitation plan for the bridge,” Mr Grant said.

Nine companies were invited to submit bids for the project and G&L Construction was chosen for their bid of $763,610.80. The project is expected to be completed within 180 days.

The road between the Georgetown Dock and the Queen’s Highway is “in dire need of repair” along with the dock’s parking lot and other public parking areas, Mr Grant said.

Out of four bidding contractors, Rolle’s Heavy Equipment was selected and the cost was negotiated to $149,275.

The project should be completed with 13 weeks or by the first week of July.

“On completion, these projects will undoubtedly meet existing and projected demands resulting from the ongoing development of the Exumas,” Mr Grant said.