Contractors are development partners, not “hustlers” -Minister Edghill

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill has said contractors engaged in public works are partners in Guyana’s development, not “hustlers” trying to make a quick dollar.

The Minister made the remark during an engagement today with road contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He outlined a list of principles he expects contractors to adhere to while executing roadworks for the Government.

Quality

“I want a new culture, whether it is a little village street, a major highway or an interior road, the quality of our work must be admired and when examined, must past the test not just at the lab, but the test of appreciation of the people who you are providing that service,” Minister Edghill said.

The Minister said any obstructions to achieving this outcome must be dealt with swiftly.

Delayed works

The Ministry will have a zero-tolerance approach to stalled works after contracts have been signed, he said. The Administration will not continue the mistakes of the past which encouraged such practices.

Minister Edghill also voiced his displeasure that projects which had been signed off on the last day of 2019 under that year’s budget have, to date, not started.

“A contract is not a loan for you to finance other business. A contract and the monies paid in a contract is to get the job done,” he said, even as he emphasised that the people require the timely implementation of projects.

The Minister said he will inform other Ministries about contractors with delayed works since some contractors may stall works in one area to complete another job in another Ministry.

Value for money

Another area of focus for the Ministry is ensuring that there is value for money spent. Minister Edghill said contractors and project engineers will face consequences for substandard work as the Ministry will be paying attention to quality control.

“Collusion between contractors and project engineers and project managers will not be tolerated,” he said.

Conflict resolution

The Ministry will also be moving towards the timely resolution of disputes so that projects could advance.

Minister Edghill explained, “you can’t have development being put on hold because of some problem with design, engineer and contractor can’t agree on the way forward.”

He reiterated his position that Government must facilitate the country’s development, rather than put up stumbling blocks that frustrate the process.

“Every complaint will be looked at with the level of seriousness it requires and if there is culpability, the necessary action will be taken.”

Minister within the Ministry of Pubic Works, Hon. Deodat Indar also attended the meeting, which included technical officers and contractors. Several decisions were made on the way forward concerning issues affecting contractors.