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Increased productivity expected after Central Admin. Complex roof repairs - Premier

- Contract signed; Project slated to be completed by year end
Members of the head table about to sign contracts for roof repair works at the central administration complex building. [L-R Paul Lashley, Kishore Kamani, Premier the Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Mrs Arlene Smith-Thompson, Min. for Communications & Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Dion Stoutt]. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The roof replacement project for the Central Administration Complex is expected to be completed by year end and Premier Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith is hoping that the improvement to the building would boost productivity among staff.

The contract for the roof replacement was signed yesterday, October 12, 2012 between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Professional Roofing Construction Co. Ltd.

At a short press briefing held in the conference room of the Premier’s Office, Premier the Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith remarked that the problem of the roof had been around for quite some time and repairs were extremely important, not merely to make the building look more attractive but also to improve the comfort of the persons that work there.

He added, “One of the things that are important for improved productivity is good working conditions.” The Hon. Premier said that upon the completion of the project, he expected that there would be an increased level of productivity from all of the persons working in the office.

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark Vanterpool said he recognised the importance of completing the roof works at the Administration Complex upon taking up office and he brought the necessary resources to bear to have this done.

He related that Government was approached by Professional Roofing and Construction Co. Ltd in May 2012 about the completion of the works and this essentially signalled the end of the search for a contractor for the project. The company, he related, had also previously been involved in works on the roof of the First Caribbean [Development Bank] building.

Local Project Coordinator, Mr Dion Stoutt of STO Enterprises, was announced as the lead technical advisor on the project and is to ensure the project meets its completion targets. The roof replecement project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Hon. Vanterpool further stated that the original contract, which cost in the region of $1.9m, was awarded to Royce Construction Inc and approximately $1.2m of this was paid on the contract.

The current contract being awarded is in the sum of $427, 675 which amounts to a savings of $224,137 to date from the original contract. A project management contract of $52,000 was signed with STO Enterprises and Management.

Director of Professional Roofing and Construction, Mr Kishore Kamani, thanked the Minister for the confidence displayed in his company and said he looked forward to giving exactly what was promised. Mr Kamani sought to ensure all concerned that there would be very minimal interference with the day to day activities at the offices of the Central Administration Complex. He said his company would be working even when the building was closed including from 5 A.M. once there is suitable light as well as late in the afternoon “wherever we know that it’s is going to be an interference". We will do our very best to make sure it’s as minimal as possible.”

Paul Lashley, Regional Director of the firm, in response to a question on the scope of the remaining work, said the previous work was not substandard and his company would just be adding to what was there already. He noted they would be mechanically affixing a layer to what is already in place and will top that with a second layer of waterproofing membrane. Commercial vents will also be installed to assist with the release of moisture currently trapped in the roof.

4 Responses to “Increased productivity expected after Central Admin. Complex roof repairs - Premier ”

  • Joe Joe (13/10/2012, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This project seems to be going on as long as Mark’s parking lot!
  • civil servant (13/10/2012, 10:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    By time this project is complete half of us will be dead from mole.
  • ooooo (13/10/2012, 13:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this guy from STO is eating from both sides...a smartman
  • History (13/10/2012, 19:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    You believe this roof got damaged since Hurricane Bertha and after so many administrations only now a move is being made to fix the roof. Alvin who was there for 12 years could not, all he wanted was another floor. Also frazer was there and the man turned out to be a c...... head and now Mark is there, so I hope this time it get done. Lavity worked hard for this building and Lorna Smith know this much because she was there. So lets hope we fix it proper this time. Imagine that since 1996 to now. 16 years it took for Government to fix this building roof.

    Government can build lovely structures but when it comes to maintenance, they get a F----. So I suggest they should build things and gave the maintenance out to a private body. This way they build the private sector as well.



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