Despite explanations, Works Ministry insists Cemetery Road contractor will face consequences for delays

Despite providing an updated work programme just days ago, Avinash Constructing and Scrap Metal Inc, the contracting company executing the Cemetery Road project in Georgetown is still facing major delays with the works.

And so the company remains unable to complete the project in time for this month’s end – the last deadline given amid threats by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill to have the project terminated.

Further, the Ministry of Public Works on Tuesday said liquidated damages will be applied against the company.

“…The Ministry has reviewed your submission and has noted that works have already began to lag behind.

“Several activities that have a start date as early as March 06, 2024, have not yet commenced as such the project may not be completed at March 31, 2024, as stated in your updated Work Programme,” the ministry said in a letter in response to the company’s earlier claims.

In a letter dated March 05, the civil engineer of Avinash Constructing and Scrap Metal Inc, Kharamchand Balram had listed the factors that are contributing to the delay of the project. The project, awarded in 2022, is delayed by more than a year.

Among the factors listed by the company were pending decisions including the rehabilitation of two bridges, the extension of a carriageway as well a lack of reliability on the part of three utility companies.

The letter was drafted the same day the Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill visited the site.

In the letter on Tuesday, the Ministry responded to each factor listed.

In particular, it referenced issues cited with utility companies.

“Your letter…made reference to works being executed by utility companies namely GT&T and GWI and acts of robbery of your workforce.

“The challenges faced with utilities are well known in Guyana and would have been reinforced during site visits that are recommended before submitting one’s bid. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the site and workers and secured and protected from elements such as robberies and other acts of violence,” the ministry highlighted.

Further, the Ministry said despite several meetings and site visits, “works are still progressing slowly”.

“Details of the remaining works, along with proposed construction methodology were discussed at these meetings. However, your company on many occasions failed to follow the recommendations of the ministry,’ the letter stated.

Nevertheless, the ministry has pledged to continue working with the company to ensure that the project is “successfully” completed.

After an initial delay, the project to upgrade the existing two-lane Cemetery Road to four lanes was extended to the end of January 2024.

Avinash Constructing and Scrap Metal Inc. was awarded the $475M contract in 2022.