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by pltm
(PLTM) - Contrary to the suggestion by Deputy Premier, Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering back in 2012 that the airport expansion project is a done deal, four years later, the Territory's leader has a different view.
Already, government has expended over $5M on the project, which is yet to receive a final approval from the United Kingdom (UK). As matter of fact, Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith said that government is also yet to decide on the multi-million dollar project.
On Thursday, September 22 in the House of Assembly, Hon. Andrew Fahie, First District Representative asked the Premier to indicate whether the project will be undertaken or not, given the amount of money expended on the feasibility of the project.
Premier Smith said that the project is currently being reviewed by the government, adding, "The submissions by the bidders are being looked at by the government."
Hon. Fahie then asked the premier, "So you are saying Premier, that this is not a done deal?" In response, Premier Smith said, "No, there is no such thing as a done deal. We are reviewing the bidders' submissions."
Back in March 2012, a couple months after the National Democratic Party (NDP) took office, Dr. Pickering, whose Ministry is spearheading the proposed project, made it clear to residents that government had already decided to move ahead with the project.
"I have been reading. I pay careful attention to what is being said in the public media and what is written in the newspapers...Let me make one point clear. The government of the day campaigned about the whole question of the upgrade and expansion of the T.B. Lettsome International Airport. We have made a decision that we are going to expand the airport. That decision is made. I didn't come here to ask if we are going to expand the airport...," Dr. Pickering stated in 2012 during a public meeting in East End/Long Look.
However, in recent months, the proposed project has come under fire over monies expended thus far, and the slow release of studies conducted on the project.
No Tendering?
The companies who conducted works under the over $5 million spent so far are Indigo Engineering Caribbean Group; Geotech Associates Limited; Port and Marine Services Limited; WSP Canada Inc; PriceWaterhouse Coopers Limited; and Baker & Mckenzie LLP.
Premier Smith in the House of Assembly yesterday said that he could not state whether the works went out for tender.
"What I am saying is that I don't remember specifically. I am not going to stand up here and tell you that it was tendered or not, when I don't have the information with me," he said in response to questions.
Currently, two firms have submitted their final bids to undertake the expansion---Sir Robert McAlpine (Holdings) Ltd. and IDL Group of Canada in consortium with ADC from the British Virgin Islands, and China Communication Construction Company (CCC) Limited.
The Chinese company had the lowest bid in the range of $155M, compared to IDL Group with the local partner in the range of $195M. Government was initially leaning towards the lowest bidder, but is yet to make a final decision.
Government is also yet to determine its source of financing for the project.
The proposed project will be built under the design-build model where the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) would continue to operate the airport with agreement reached with the private sector to design and construct the extended runway.
Once construction gets underway, it is expected to take around 12 to 36 months to be completed.
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