BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WORKS on the first phase of the Roundabout in the vicinity of the Kim Collins Highway is behind schedule, but it is expected to be completed today (Nov. 29). However, unlike the belief of many, SKNVibes was told that bids for the project were tendered.
This information was given to SKNVibes during an onsite interview on Tuesday (Nov. 26) with Virgil Newton, the assistant foreman of Warner and Partner Construction Company.
Newton said that Phase One should have been handed over to the Public Works Ministry last Friday (Nov. 22), but it could not be done due to “Warner Construction having problems procuring the needed materials to complete the work”.
The project has been divided into phases, with the first being the Kim Collins’ Drive to Frigate Bay.
When asked how the contract was awarded, Newton said, “Warner Construction won the contract through a tender process of which they would have submitted the best tender.”
Questioned about the price of the bid, Newton declared that he was unable to say because of not being privy to such information.
While it is the common practice in many countries to advertise for tenders whenever there are projects to be constructed, this publication was informed that it is not always so in the Federation.
In his explanation concerning advertisement of projects for tenders to bid, Chairman of the Development Control and Planning Board, Victor Williams said, “What is found sometimes is that if government finds a peculiar scenario and that there is a time line on it, then it wouldn’t be advertised.
“But if there is no policy or law on it, then government would use their discretion on it. Also, if it’s the law, then yes it can be advertised. But it there is no law, then that is where discretion comes in. So where there is no law…you cannot mandate.”
Williams noted that based on the type of project government would have to decide whether the bid should be open or closed. He however stressed that “there is no law that states that there has to be an open bid”.
He also explained that based on the complex nature of some contracts, a specialist should be contracted on the basis of their pre-qualification.
“If you’re tendering for local projects then all service providers should be given an opportunity. However, based on the type of project and the size and complexity of the project, you should pre-qualify. For example, if John Brown never built anything over 2 000 square feet, there is no way John Brown should qualify.”
Addressing the situation in which contracts are given to overseas companies in preference to locals, Williams opined that his fellow local contractors should be more open-minded when bidding.
“What we need to do is be savvier and we need to keep our ears to the ground. Contractors need to join forces when we have to get the projects because some projects would require 200 men.”
He made reference to a particular project in which it was recommended that overseas help should be sought.
“Like, for example, when I was doing the Nursing School, there was one suggestion that we bring in the Chinese. I said, ‘No, it’s not palatable because this is a private sector person.’ And I said that we could see if we can get the contracts to join together…and we hear that the local people or companies don’t get along but I had four different companies on one project.”
In further discussion, Newton explained that the Kim Collins Drive to Frigate Bay project would see the contracted company digging some 24 inches below the original surface area before filling and applying the requisite materials.
He noted that when that process is completed and the bricks are laid, the project would then be handed over to the Public Works Department.
“They are involved too; they are going to have to pave the roads. It is to be three layers in terms of eight by eight by eight inches which will give you about 24 inches,” he added.
It was also explained that when the Roundabout is completed, it would assist in easing the traffic congestion which is a nightmare for citizens traversing the area during peak hours.
