Minister Edghill slams contractors on pace of hinterland roadworks
– urges them to meet obligations, remain in good standing
Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill is again urging contractors to adhere to stipulated deadlines, noting that he is dissatisfied with the pace of work on the hinterland road projects for Region 10.
The Minister made this statement following a meeting with contractors at the Watooka Guest House on Friday. Noting that 18 days of work has been lost since December 1 when works were set to begin in the Region, he was adamant that contractors must perform or risk losing their contracts.
“No contractor will collect Government’s money, relax for Christmas and at their own leisure begin in the new year. The people are awaiting delivery for what you signed,” he said.
Minister Edghill underscored the need for contractors to be partners in the nation’s development. He again issued an ultimatum to contractors who have inked contracts since November 23 but have not started rehabilitative works.
“I must see evidence of work done on every project between now and Tuesday,” he said.
A report on those works will be submitted to the Minister early in the new week.
Minister Edghill also reminded contractors that they must fulfil their obligations so that they could be in good standing for future Government contracts.
“If you can’t justify why you didn’t fulfil what you got, you can’t expect new works when you haven’t finished old works,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister asked Linden’s Mayor, Her Worship Ms. Waneka Arrindell, to supervise road upgrades being executed by the Ministry’s Force Account to repair Burnham Drive in the township. This is to ensure the upgrades are properly executed.
“It is not a private arrangement… This is public works, public money and there must be scrutiny.”
Below is a list of projects under 2020 emergency budget for roadworks in Region 10.
| Contract | Contractor | Contract Sum | Date of Contract Signature | Start Date | End Date |
| Lot 12: Rehabilitation of Linden-Lethem to Butakari | Blackrock Development Company Inc. | $10,710,000 | 23-Nov-20 | 1-Dec-2020 | 1-Mar-21 |
| Lot 13: Rehabilitation of Mabura to Mango Landing | Blackrock Development Company Inc. | $10,942,835 | 23-Nov-20 | 1-Dec-2020 | 1-Mar-21 |
| Lot 14: Rehabilitation of Internal Roads in Kwakwani | R. Razack Business Enterprise | $12,180,000 | 23-Nov-20 | 1-Dec-2020 | 1-Mar-21 |
| Lot 15: Rehabilitation of 35 Miles Mabura to Malali | K&F Contracting Services | $9,925,000 | 23-Nov-20 | 1-Dec-2020 | 1-Mar-21 |
| Lot 16: Rehabilitation of 16 Miles Mabura to Muritaro | Ideal Engineering Services Inc. | $12,807,500 | 23-Nov-20 | 1-Dec-2020 | 1-Mar-21 |
| Lot 23: Rehabilitation of Wisroc to Rockstone | Eron Lall Civil Engineering Works | $14,825,000 | 23-Nov-20 | 1-Dec-2020 | 1-Mar-21 |
Minister Edghill visit to the Region was preceded by inspections of roadworks in Kuru Kururu and Hauraruni. These inspections were conducted alongside a team of technical personnel from the Ministry of Public Works.
Regional Executive Officer for Region 10, Mr. Dwight John also attended the meeting with contractors.