Conversation Tree road contractor Kallco unable to meet stipulations -Edghill

Already flagged for non-performance with the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street, Georgetown road widening project, and with no plan as to how it will get the works done in keeping with the deadline, Trinidadian company Kallco Guyana Inc. is on the verge of having its contract terminated.

And Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has indicated the decision is likely to affect the company’s involvement in other contracts that it currently holds, such as the construction of airline offices at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

“We asked them to submit a revised work plan to show us with all of the non-performance, how they can finish this between now and the contractual deadline and nothing that they have provided in writing or in meetings, suggest that they can conclude this project within the stipulated timeline,” Edghill told the News Room.

“The clauses of the contract that deal specifically with these matters are being invoked and we will determine the contract.”

Once a decision is made and the contract is terminated, Edghill explained that the Ministry will inform the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) so that Kallco Guyana Inc. can be listed as a “non-performing” contractor.

“Once the contract is terminated, we will write the tender board, informing the tender board that this a non-performing contractor,” Edghill said while adding,

“My cause for concern is not the Conversation Tree contract. They have a second contract for the airline office buildings at the airport which falls in a similar situation – non-performance. So it’s both things that are being addressed”.

Kallco Guyana Inc. was flagged for poor performance and no performance in July this year after Edghill inspected works on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street, Georgetown road project.

With 65 percent of the project timeline already passed and only 25 percent of work completed, Edghill had urged the contractors to “pick up pace” so that they can meet the project deadline.

The Conversation Tree to Dennis Street, Georgetown road widening project, which is valued at $1.8 billion, is also being executed by S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies.

Edghill had said while S. Jagmohan appears to be making progress, Kallco Guyana Inc. is practically making none.

Works on the project include a double-lane carriageway on the reserve south of Delhi Street, the implementation of concrete revetments between the East Coast highway and Railway embankment and the construction of large concrete bridges to establish a connection to Dennis Street.