Government says Faber’s road contract approved by OPEC

Posted: Friday, October 13, 2017. 6:13 pm CST.

By BBN Staff:  Yesterday, BBN reported on a contract that was signed for the reconstruction of Faber’s Road, between the George Price Highway and Central American Boulevard.

Government had issued a release stating that the contract was awarded to the nephew of disgraced former minister of Natural Resources, Gaspar Vega. Imer Hernandez and Company was granted the contract for BZ $7,995,926.40 to reconstruct Faber’s road.

According to a new release issued by GOB today, the entire scope of works was submitted to and approved by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countires (OPEC) Fund for International Development (OFID) as part of the Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase 3.

The release from GOB says that the scope of work is the rehabilitation of Faber’s Road which includes the construction of 2.5 km of reinforced concrete road pavement, 3.8 km of reinforced concrete sidewalk and side drains, and the construction of 1.6 km earthen trapezoidal drains commencing at Krooman Road to the Caribbean Sea.

The eight-inch thick, high-strength, reinforced concrete is necessary to accommodate heavy-duty transport vehicles commuting to and from the Port of Belize. The 1.6 km of drainage from Krooman Lagoon to the Caribbean Sea will provide further flood mitigation in the general vicinity.  Other works include but are not limited to roadway clearance including the removal of any remnant structures, obstructions, fencing and the like within the road reserve, earthworks, and the installation of road center line markings.

GOB says that the Ministry of works considered the impacts on Faber’s road from regular wear and tear, increased traffic loads, infrequent maintenance, city and business expansion and the unpredictable effects of several tropical storms and hurricanes; it saw it crucial to fast-track the rehabilitation of Faber’s Road.

According to GOB, selective tendering exercise took place; the Contractor’s offer was consistent with the engineer’s estimate and current construction rates. With no objection from the Contractor General the construction contract was awarded.

It is anticipated that works on the road will commence immediately. The supervision responsibility lies with the Ministry of Works.

The Vision Inspired by the People today issued a release  demanding that the contract be rescinded because the contract was awarded in contrary to the finance and audit reform act.

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