D’Urban Park contractors still owed over $200M

Jul 14, 2016 News

Coordinator of the D’Urban Park project, Larry London

More than $200M is owed to the contractors of the first phase of the D’Urban Park project with coordinators assuring yesterday that the payments are being held up by “paper work”.

Updating Kaieteur News yesterday, Larry London, who was coordinating the project to clear the bushes of the D’Urban Park area and create a stadium in time for the country’s Jubilee’s celebrations on May 26, last, disclosed that indeed, around 20 contractors are still owed.

The contractors include those who supplied stone, sand, crusher run, and others who provided carpentry and electrical works.

London was one of the main coordinators of the ambitious project unveiled by the David Granger administration last year.

In addition to clearing the lands, the area had to be paved and bleachers built and roofed.

However, the project ran into problems early this year when it became clear that the stadium will not be ready in time for the May deadline.

The project, which was handled by the Ministry of the Presidency, was handed over to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Contractors for this second phase have reportedly been paid.

“We are trying to speed up the processing of the payments. It is overdue. It should have been resolved a long time ago…paper works, paper works…That is what is holding the process up.”

London made it clear that it is not the fault of the contractors.

Several contractors in recent weeks have been complaining to Kaieteur News about the outstanding monies.

One contractor reportedly imported stones from abroad. That business has grounded to a halt. Some contractors are owed more than $20M each.

London said yesterday that the total is over $200M.

So far, it is believed that the cost of the park, complete with bleachers, and other works, would amount to over $500M, with $200M spent by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for the stands alone.

According to details of the tender awards published on the Ministry of Finance website, 10 bids were awarded on May 17, 2016 for the construction/completion of the timber-framed bleachers with roof.