Arima dual carriageway expansion stopped

The project was halted when it was determined that the contractor’s performance was unsatisfactory, but other sources said that it was not due to the quality of work by the contractor, but a shortage of material.

According to a representative from the Project Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Works, the reason for the sudden halt in construction is the shortage of certain types of aggregate material and asphalt. Sunday Newsday was told that plans were in place to import materials.

Speaking to Sunday Newsday, Mikey Joseph, President of the Contractors Association said that owners of quarries are not investing in the necessary equipment that would allow them to dig deeper in the earth to acquire more aggregate. “Trinidad and Tobago has aggregate that meets and surpasses most international standards,” he said.

Minister of Works, Colm Imbert said that lack of aggregate was not the reason for the pause in construction. He said: “From the report that was given to me the performance of the contractor was unsatisfactory.

“I was informed that the particular contractor lacked the necessary qualifications and experience but the contract was still awarded,” he said. He added: “It has not come as a surprise that the project is way behind schedule. It is very obvious that the contractor is struggling.”

When asked who awarded the contract, Imbert said: “The contract was awarded by the Central Tender Board Contract Award so the Ministry of Works had very little say.” He continued: “This illustrates the problem that arises from choosing the lowest bidder without a proper evacuation of the capability of the contractor’s proper assessment. I was recently advised by a consultant to terminate the contract.” He also said that he is expecting a written report on the contract.

He said that because of this the ministry would have to make the difficult decision either to continue or to fully terminate the contract.