The Tribune

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Deputy Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

TOUGHER requirements are on the way for contractors seeking work from the Water and Sewerage Corporation, according to its chairman Adrian Gibson.

Mr Gibson further warned contractors they will be struck off the WSC’s list if they delay on reinstatement works, or cost WSC any fines under the amended Road Act.

Those stipulations came amid debate and passage of the Roads Act on Wednesday, which clamps down on how companies administer works to public roads.

The WSC is in the process of reviewing its list of contractors and also wants to revamp its pre-qualification process, with plans to shortlist contractors and lean particularly towards those who can assure immediate mobilisation.

Contractors will also be required to have a dedicated team assigned to their respective area of responsibility for a minimum of 5-day/week; and have a minimum hot box capacity of 10 tons. Given the challenges with having a consistent supply of asphalt, Mr Gibson said this would allow contractors to store the asphalt, to have the asphalt at the ready and be able to work on weekends.

They will further be required to have a minimum installation rate of, four tons/day and have a minimum cash flow capacity.

Mr Gibson said the WSC has found that some contractors don’t have the money and they are delayed due to it, oftentimes rabidly pursuing the WSC a day after submission of invoices though the contracts speak to a 30 day turnaround.

Additionally contractors will be responsible for the provision of signage, flagmen and other safety requirements to meet MOPW Traffic Management approval.

Contractors will be responsible for site clean up within 24 hours of excavation completion.

WSC will also be recruiting additional safety managers for site management.

Mr Gibson said: “It must be noted that these changes will not come without some social commentary in that the present system utilises many small contractors and some of these contractors employ men who would be challenged to obtain employment elsewhere for a variety of factors.

“However, the present WSC practice of using up to 20 different small Contractors, some with very limited resources, does not best serve WSC’s interest with respect to WSC’s responsibility for timely and quality road reinstatement. The revamped policy will also feature departmental consequences and disciplinary action for breaches of protocol.

“We are looking at contractors who are fully capable of carrying out FDOT reinstatement. The Ministry of Works is currently or will be undertaking FDOT training for utilities as well as contractors. That training will address backfilling/compaction and other related matters. I encourage any contractor interested in doing business with WSC to attend.” Mr Gibson said he further directed that WSC purchase one or two asphalt hotbox trailer, a recycler and a test meters. This would equip in house teams to mobilise.

With respect to the test meter, he said it would ensure that when roads are compacted, it is at FDOT standard—this would avoid the sinking of quarry/roads that we have seen throughout the archipelago. Along with these purchases, a regimented maintenance plan is being implemented.