RDA gets nine responses to road consultancy services
The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has received nine responses to its recent Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for consultancy services to improve the road infrastructure network in the Virgin Islands.
The RDA said that local and international firms submitted their proposals before the deadline last Friday, December 6 2024.
The consulting assignment aims to create roads that can withstand the impacts of climate change while supporting the territory’s growing economy and population.
“These initial submissions are a critical step forward in our mission to develop infrastructure that meets the needs of communities today while preparing for future demands,” said John Primo, Director of Procurement at the RDA. He assured that transparency and collaboration would remain central to the process.
The RDA has prioritised nine sections of the road, which will be divided into four lots for design and construction management. The chosen consultants will manage every phase of these projects, from stakeholder engagement and planning to producing preliminary and final designs. They will also oversee the tendering process, award construction contracts, and supervise the implementation of the works.
Each project lot is expected to span 12 to 24 months. The RDA said it will now evaluate submissions based on technical competence, qualifications, financial capability, and local or regional experience with similar projects. The shortlisted firms will then receive full terms of reference and be invited to submit detailed proposals.
Strategic development goals
The RDA said the initiative aligns with the government’s objectives to modernise infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and ensure resilience against climate challenges. Last month, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley underscored the RDA’s importance during his budget address under the theme “Planning, Priorities, and Progress: Building a Sustainable Nation.” The Premier highlighted the agency’s critical role in addressing the territory’s infrastructural needs.
In a move that formalised the project’s scope, the Ministry of Communications and Works recently signed a Statement of Requirements (SOR) with the RDA. This agreement officially handed responsibility for the road projects to the RDA for planning and implementation.
The RDA’s focus on delivering high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure through this initiative is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in the Virgin Islands. The agency’s commitment to sustainable development remains at the forefront as it advances this critical road network project.
The final selection process will ensure that public infrastructure investments achieve the highest standards of quality and value for money, contributing to the long-term resilience and growth of the territory.
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Fifteen years ago, on another small island in the Caribbean, the government decided to improve the island’s main east-west road. A consultant and contractor from overseas were commissioned to do the job.
In order to cut costs, in agreement with the government, they decided to dump millions of tons of earth excavated from section the road and use it to fill in a swamp alongside another section. The consultant’s rationale was that it would eliminate the swamp and stabilize the road.
A local man, who had spent a lifetime working on the island’s roads, warned them against their decision. He was told to go away; we know what we’re doing.
Their flawed decision, in the face of local knowledge, has irreversibly destabilized that section of road and adjoining land.
On completing his contract, the consultant left the island and hasn’t been seen since.
Roger Burnett