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by pltm
(PLTM) - As a result of the lack of insurance on the two new buildings that were being built to expand the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), Government lost in excess of two million dollars, after the structures were damaged by Hurricane Irma.
This was disclosed after Minister for Education and Culture, the Honourable Myron Walwyn was pressed by Third District Representative, the Honourable Julian Fraser during the last sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) as to the cost of these works.
It was revealed that prior to the hurricane, works to the tune of $2,120,000 were already executed.
Hon. Walwyn explained that the vast majority of the works to the two-storey steel frame buildings that were purchased and installed at ESHS, were done prior to the hurricane.
“There were a few minor works left to be done on building two, which we would also call building ‘B’. Building ‘1A’, which was the building closest to the softball field, had a bit more work to be done, but the vast majority of work was done to both buildings.”
He went on to say that upon completion, the cost would have tallied to $2,385,958, adding that, “The Government of the Virgin Islands paid a total of $735,823 to the main contractor.”
He hastened to add that various independent contractors were used for the construction.
According to Hon. Walwyn, “The government was not compensated for any money paid out on this project because these buildings, like most government assets, were not insured.”
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