Negotiations ongoing as C.O Williams increases costs for road works

CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet invited the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Ministry of Works to address the issue of the ongoing repair of roadways and the planting of new water pipes at the side of those roads.

 A representative of C.O. Williams Construction was also present.

The firm had responsibility to repair Anchorage Road, Fort James Road, and other roads in rural Antigua, following a bidding process which that firm won.

The bid came in at XCD63. 49 million which was the lowest bid; however, on an account of COVID, material costs increased and delays, resulting from wet weather, the contractor has increased the amount owed to it by a significant margin.

There were significant challenges to the increased amount.

The Cabinet heard from the consultant who deemed a proportion of the increase to be unreasonable. Discussion between government and the contractor will continue.

The APUA addressed the issue of water; it noted that the plant at Ffryes will be ready by December 2024. 2 million additional gallons of water are expected when the plant is completed.

The Director of Public Works accepted responsibility for the roads that are in disrepair, noting that only one barber-green machine is operational at this time; however, additional machines are being repaired and readied for construction work.

He also indicated that there is need for at least 2 additional engineers who have designing skills.

A plan for preventative maintenance was also agreed upon, as well as a plan to fix broken sidewalks along St. Mary’s Street beginning in mid-October.

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