Ferguson demands answers from Ministers Edghill and Indar on Cemetery Road construction

Former minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (Public Works) Annette Ferguson is calling on Minister of Public Workers Juan Edghill and Minister within the ministry Deodat Indar to come clean on the construction status of cemetery road.

Taking to her social media post the member of parliament stated taxpayers, who are funding the project, need to answer.

According to her, she uses the Cemetery Road corridor on a daily basis and from all observations and assessment of the project, works seems to be on a halt.

A few images of the current status of the project are below

Ferguson pointed out that on the eastern and western carriageways, excavated works were done, where blocks were laid. “The area that was designated as a walkway for pedestrians using Cemetery Road was also excavated, sand filled to road level.”

The former minister said due to the halt in works, that area has accumulated water, which remained stagnant for days now!

 “There is evidence of parked equipment bearing the name of the contractor, ‘Avinash Construction and Scrap Metal Inc.,’ along with blocks on the road. Note, this contract to my recollection commenced sometime in October 2022.”

The image below gives a depiction of the artistic drawing of what the completed project will look like. It also states the name of the execution agency, that being the Ministry of Public Works, said Ferguson.  “Also, the name of the contracting company and cost of the project, projected as $475,070,169.00 [but] what is missing from the information is the ‘contract period.’”

Ferguson said since the ministers may be reluctant to answer questions put to them in the National Assembly, she has put the information in the public domain hoping to have a response to the following:

1. When is this project scheduled for completion?

2. What percentage of the contract sum has been expended as at April 30, 2023?

3. Provide a disaggregation of All Works completed thus far as per scope of works, including percentage.

4. Does the contractor have the capacity and experience in civil construction, more so building of roads and bridges?

5. List and provide major civil works conducted by Avinash Vonstruction and Scrap Metal Inc., over the last ten years from 2013-2023?

6. What has caused the cessation in works?

7. When are works likely to recommence?

According to the former minister the Ministry of Public Works owes society answers.