The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

THE “mess” which the New Providence Road Works degenerated into was the cause of hefty cost overruns said Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip “Brave” Davis.

During a press conference at the Ministry of Works followed by a tour of the road works yesterday, Mr Davis emphasised that the various delays and budget increases were not the fault of his government.

“We ought all to be concerned,” he said, “it may be justified that these works that originally were supposed to cost $66 million, then $120 million and now $200 million to think a mess might have caused the escalation.

“We have inherited this, it is not a question of government there is only one government, we are just a new administration – if we met a mess we have to fix the mess that is our job. Our manner in executing works is to ensure that all stakeholders are involved because it impacts them and that is what we have been doing, in fact it has been very useful and helpful. I think those involved now today will tell you the fact that we are not engaging business owners and residential owners in the works being down is making the works less frustrating.”

Nearing the completion of the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP), Mr Davis said he is pleased to advise that all roads will be open on Monday for the new school year, with at least the first coat of asphalt being applied.

While roads will be open to traffic he said, the works will not be fully completed and handed over to the government until the new year.

Initial paving on Bernard road is expected to begin on Saturday, however, Mr Davis cautioned that there is a possibility that Bernard Road may have to be closed for a few days if unexpected difficulties are experienced.

“This is not to say that the entire 15.7 miles of roadworks have been finished as there are still outstanding water main works at the crossing at the old Village Road roundabout, connections along Village road, and a connection at Grace Avenue,” he said.

“Approximately half of the contracted road, some 7.2 miles will have only the first layer of asphalt but these are all expected to be completed by the end of October – in short, the roads will be open to vehicular traffic but works will continue.”

While Mr Davis could not provide an exact amount, he said the government has sought to save money on the execution of road works, in particular over the last month.

Roads will be substantially completed by the end of October, with the roads expected to be fully handed over to the government no later than by the end of January 2013, said Mr Davis.

“During that period all they will be doing is the accommodations work and correcting any of the defects that may be identified by engineers – the works will be substantially completed by October 31 as the contract requires, what will be happening between then and the 31st of January is what I call remedial work that is required for the proper take over by the government.”

The Royal Bahamas Police Force will be giving their “active support” to ensure that school traffic will be free flowing with minimal disruption to the driving public, said Mr Davis.

“The police will maintain their efforts as works continue to ensure that citizens have access to their homes, businesses, churches and schools through the completion of the project and beyond,” he said.