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The Ministry of Public Works, over the last three weeks, has awarded approximately 1,000 fixed-rate contracts under its small-contractor model. This initiative allows new, local contractors to participate in the development of their communities, particularly across the city in Region 4.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Public Works, Honourable Bishop Juan Edghill, earlier today during a live broadcast via the Ministryโs Facebook page. The Minister addressed concerns raised about the quality of work being executed by the contractors, who are stationed across various communities in the city. He outlined the scope of works listed within each contract signed by the awardees, as he emphasized the Ministryโs stringent monitoring and inspection approach to ensure the works being done are of a high standard.
“All the persons who have signed what is known as drainage contracts, their scope of works entails providing for the desilting of the drains by removing, whether manually or by machine, all existing silt, slush, and vegetation debris. This is inclusive of clearing under bridges and cleaning culverts as directed by the engineers,” Minister Edghill stated. “Let me make it clear, these contracts are not for people to just come and weed the road edge, dip out a couple of buckets of slush, and move on.”
Minister Edghill lamented the customary ‘fast and nasty’ approach that is often taken by those executing cleaning works. He stated, “With this exercise, you are the beneficiary. The citizens of Georgetown are the beneficiaries. We have the weather; itโs a good time for us to do the desilting and it must be done properly. All the existing slush, debris, and vegetation, when removed from the drains, must be placed in a truck and carted away. It cannot be taken out of the drain and placed on the road shoulder. The contract stipulates it must be carted away and dumped.”
The drainage works also entail the thorough cleaning of all alleyways. Road shoulders, verges, and parapets ought to be grubbed, ensuring the removal of all overburdens and other materials, including all encroachments and accumulated garbage on the road shoulders.
“So, these contractors that have gone out there also have to remove all the accumulated garbage. It doesnโt mean that householders can come out now and, when they see the truck, bring out garbage to put in them. They are cleaning the shoulders. Garbage collection continues based upon the Mayor and City Councilโs schedule,” Minister Edghill emphasized.
This massive exercise, being executed by the people, complements the Governmentโs vision to revive the Garden City into a modern, resilient, and well-connected city through a series of beautification and enhancement projects.
“Within another couple of weeks, Georgetown should look different, and should we have rain, what we saw earlier in the rainy season should not occur,” Minister Edghill added.
Residents are encouraged to report concerns as it relates to the cleaning works and or any other matters, via the Ministry of Public Works hotline [624-2964]
The Ministry remains strictly committed to advancing infrastructural development at all levels. Regular updates on these beautification and drainage enhancement projects will continue to be provided via the Ministry’s official website and social media channels
