By Robert A. Emmanuel
A representative of Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM), Sean Geiser, says the company has sought further clarity from the Minister of Works and Minister of State within the Ministry of Finance, Lennox Weston, about the latter’s imposition of a deadline for work to be completed on the Friar’s Hill Road and Sir George Walter Highway rehabilitation projects.
In late June, Minister Weston publicly declared that BHM would have until year-end to complete its end of the contract or face being axed from the job.
Geiser, during a recent tour of the road project with reporters, revealed that the company has asked the Ministry of Works for information regarding those comments.
Referring to the statement, Geiser said, “The Minister made a statement in the press and we have written to the employer seeking clarity on the statement he made.”
He added that there would be no other comment on the deadline date until such clarity is given.
The government contracted BHM in 2017 to complete various infrastructural projects throughout the twin-island state, including road rehabilitation works on Friars Hill Road and Sir George Walter Highway, and the construction of a new airport in Barbuda.
However, among other issues, legal disputes with the government over a contract extension have slowed progress on much of the work until recently.
Geiser stated, during the tour with reporters, that work on the project will continue regardless of the legal disputes.
He announced that paving of the section of road from Old Popeshead Road to Sincere Drive will begin today, as well as drainage work on the Sir George Walter Highway, which will result in a week-long driveway closure between the junction of Barnes Hill and Lion’s Car Rental.
Meanwhile, the project management team also revealed that there may be changes to the road design due to issues with land acquisition from certain residents and businesses.