Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 10, 2014 News
– Tries to discredit related report
Of 439 metres of concrete tested in Lot Six of the East Coast Demerara Public Road four-lane expansion project, only 25 metres failed the assessment.
This is according to the Ministry of Public Works, which in a press statement yesterday, sought to dismiss reports that the contractor, Colin Talbot Contracting Service, is executing poor public works between Mon Repos to De Endragt.
On Wednesday, this newspaper published that the concrete strength for this project had failed and even though the contractor may not meet the project deadline of March 2014, he was awarded another contract.
But the Ministry in response stated that “an overzealous individual without proper authority approached the media in an unsavory way to try and tarnish the reputation of a contracting company”.
“The Kaieteur News article titled “ECD four-lane expansion…Contractor executing poor works, awarded another contract” on January 8, 2014 gave readers the impression that during a 28-day period, the concrete used by Colin Talbot Contracting Service was below standard,” the statement read.
The Ministry is adamant that only five percent of the concrete strength was slightly below the criteria for a short section of the drainage works that were carried out by the contracting company.
“In fact, out of the 439 metres concrete tested only 25 metres failed the assessment,” the release indicated.
The Ministry said that with any laboratory testing – whether concrete or soil – conducted by the Ministry, it allows for the contractor to correct any defects.
“The company has been one of the most dependable and reliable contractors the Ministry has worked with and it is unfortunate that the preliminary findings have been made public before quality control or corrections can be done,” the Ministry said.
However, it did not clarify if indeed sections of the newly-built drains and roadway are failing due to its “five percent” weakness.
The source that the Ministry is attempting to discredit had told this publication that the structures are now failing due to heavy-duty machinery transporting building materials for residents.
According to the source, previously the contractor only wanted to carry out works during the nights, which made it difficult for personnel from the Ministry to inspect works.
“The poor quality work being executed was possibly the reason why the contractor wanted to work at nights,” the source opined. The Ministry also did not comment on that matter. In addition, it did not mention the award of an additional contract to the contractor.
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