Ferry terminal delays a big setback for gov’t — Rymer
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has acknowledged that delays to the long-awaited redevelopment of the West End Ferry Terminal are a major setback for the government, as officials redesign the project after construction bids came in well above budget.
The project, which is being funded through a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan, was halted after the initial tender exercise returned bids of approximately $64 million from a local joint venture and $94 million from a Canadian company, both significantly exceeding the project’s approved budget.
During an appearance on ZBVI radio recently, Rymer was asked how significant the delay had been for the administration. He did not downplay its impact.
“It is a big thing, like many of the other infrastructural works that are to be done. But we are pushing on. We can’t continue to say what hasn’t been done. We have to work towards getting them done,” Rymer stated.
He said the ministry inherited the project after key planning decisions had already been made.
“What I can say [is] that money was allocated from the CDB loan for the redevelopment of the West End Ferry Terminal. I would say that the ministry took over that project sometime in May 2022, when the designs were already completed,” Rymer stated.
According to the minister, the design that eventually went out to tender had already been selected through a public consultation process. However, the responses received during the procurement exercise proved unaffordable.
“The bid went out, and it came back, and you know that it came back at $60 million and $90 million. That was way beyond the budgeted allowance to redo the project,” Rymer explained.
“So what we did is we revised the scope and it took some time as we had to negotiate the contract to get that done,” Rymer added. “And they came back with a design that should fit within the budget.”
The project must satisfy CDB requirements
The minister acknowledged public frustration over the prolonged timeline but noted that the project must satisfy CDB requirements before returning to the market.
“It is unfortunate that things take this long, but working along with the Caribbean Development Bank, there are processes that you go through,” Rymer stated.
He said officials are now in discussions with the designers and expect the construction drawings and related documents to be ready for tender within four to five months.
The West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment has been viewed as a major infrastructure priority because it serves as one of the territory’s principal gateways for travellers arriving from the US Virgin Islands. The project is expected to modernise passenger facilities and improve processing capacity at the busy port.
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As much as we like the good gentleman it is clear to see that most of his portfolio has resulted in failure. There must be a price to pay for this at the polls.
Awyo does read at all?
15 or 20 years ago, our government put out calls to local architecture and engineering firms to submit plans. They never chose one. Then came Irma and about 4 years ago, the people were told a clearly expensive, impractical and hot Dubai style glass monstrosity (project 91) was to be built.
I saw 2 of those original plans- they had a sense of place and could easily be minimally built and added on to. This new building (I haven’t seen the plans) is at least not offensive, but gives off a global modular warehouse vibe. The main issue is the ‘how long will THAT last?’ marine foundation shown in the renderings.
Why not start with a solid, expansive, well planned marine foundation that will last for many decades. Think of the rest like an add a pearl necklace, building the anchor; a permanent 2 story building to house arrivals below and customs and immigration above, a small structure for rest rooms and departure tax and a large secure but unwalled departure lounge in the middle? The docks and foundation can be plumbed and have conduits for future expansion.
Oh wait, I saw that plan submitted around 15 years ago…it had old VI charm, too. Let’s do this one thing with an eye to the future.
Ha ha, a Government that cannot repair an Admin building in less than 10 years should be allowed no where near a Ferry project or an Airport project or anything other bigger than a box of lego.
Constitutional change should be abandoned until we are no longer Governed by children.
Their only intent is to hand out money to themselves and their friends.