$52K MORE – Engineering report not used on VG

While noting that works will be done in areas such as the underside of the dock at St Thomas Bay Jetty on Virgin Gorda, Minister of Works Mark Vanterpool yesterday disclosed that the project recently done has cost at least $52,000 more than initially planned.

“A development budget for the St Thomas Bay Jetty in the amount of $350,000 was submitted and approved by the BVI Ports Authority during its 2017 budget exercises,” Vanterpool explained.

“There were no variations on the project. However, the BVI Ports Authority requested some additional works after awarding the contract in the amount of $52,365.88. This final sum is to be agreed between the BVI Ports Authority and the contractor.”

Vanterpool said the additional works included installation of bollards to accommodate multiple vessels, which substantially increases the cargo holding capabilities of the main dock, and therefore reduces the stress on the jetty.

He further stated that, to the best of his knowledge, the work already done was in line with guidelines under the Public Financial Management Regulations, and the Protocols for Effective Financial Management.

Here are the companies that were involved in the project:

Vanterpool, in the meantime, said there is no specific timeline for other rehabilitation works to be done at St Thomas Bay Jetty.

“It is intended that additional works be carried out on the St Thomas Bay Jetty. Works will include bulk heading of the cargo facility adjacent to the current location, [and] the separation and inclusion of an access drive-way at the rear of the building.”

“The BVI Ports Authority is currently exploring the use of a Fosroc Surface Repair System, which, when applied to the under surface [of the dock], is expected to treat the exposed steel, thereby significantly reducing the rate of deterioration from the elements, and increasing the dock’s life span,” Vanterpool further said in response to questions posed by Leader of the Opposition Andrew Fahie.

He also stated that he is in receipt of engineering reports regarding the structural integrity of the Jetty.

“Yes! I am in receipt of a copy of the engineering report for the St Thomas Bay Jetty,” he said, adding that the report was not used in relation to the works recently done on the dock.