Hon Turnbull defends $238K washroom facility @ Brewers Bay
In a statement released today, Friday, March 17, 2023, Hon Turnbull said the initial sum of the project was $213,000 which was budgeted for the completion of the project.
“Of this amount, K&C Construction was awarded a contract for $124,258.70. A contract was also awarded to Connect Enterprises Limited for installation of a treatment sewage plant for sixty thousand, four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ten cents $60,457.10.”
The Ministry added that there would be additional costs for installation of electricity, water, countertops, and an access ramp.
Further, Hon Turnbull said as works progressed, the budget was adjusted to $238,272.11, to account for critical design changes and material costs, for a difference of $25,272.11.
Cabinet approved more $$$
“It is accurate that The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands recently approved one hundred and one thousand, one hundred and one dollars ($101,000.00); however, these monies are toward the predetermined budget. No additional budget items were added to the project and the difference of $25,272.11 was carefully vetted and determined to be necessary,” he added.
The Minister and Second District Representative said he was "urged" to give clarity on the ongoing construction of the restroom at Brewers Bay Beach based on inaccurate information given on talk shows and online media.
Hon Turnbull said he acknowledges the public for their rightful interest and concern surrounding the economical and effective management of funds toward community development.
“A functional bathroom that is accessible to the public and managed by an appropriate governmental entity has been a long-time need for this community, beach patrons and event organisers. Added functionality of the beach will increase its value and use,” he added.
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40 Responses to “Hon Turnbull defends $238K washroom facility @ Brewers Bay”
A decent sized house could be built with that money.
A rediculos amount of money the corruption continues.
Moreover, there is a culture in the BVI of overpricing government projects and government is a willing partner in the overpricing. Government should pay a fair and reasonable price and not a penny more. Instead, government and the taxpayers are constantly gouged with their witting or unwitting cooperation. The technical staff play a key and critical advisory role to ministers. However, too often poor and unreasonable advice is given. The evidence is there , ie, the constant overpricing of government projects. There is definitely some weaknesses in the construction contracting process. Ministers must ask the right questions and shouldn’t be a taking a 6 for a 9. They have an obligation to maximize the efficiency of taxpayers dollars. If the current advisors are incompetent, lazy, etc, get a new crew. A minister will get the advice he/she willingly accepts. So the overpricing is not solely on the shoulders of advisors ministers are a willing partners. The next Premier and MoF must probe this issue and fix it. He/she must bring the carrot and big guava stick. Citizens demand and expect better. If the Premier is not up to speed he/she needs to do so quickly so the wool is not pull over their eyes. All that said the Westminister system is a deeply flawed process. Winning a popularity contest in a first to the pole election does not automatically make one an expert. Ministers must be humble enough to accept that they are not and stop pretending they are. We know that quote about being think of as a fool but mouth open and remove all doubt. Surround yourselves with trusted, competent people, not incompetent, nincompoops, cronies etc.
Sunday afternoon yesterday with the Park host to lots of people, the toilet was closed. The weekend is when the Park gets most visitors.
No point having toilets if they are just for show. Erect signposts directing people to the bushes. That would be more honest.