Region Five sacks contractor over school annex delays

Region Five administration officials recently terminated the job of a contractor who was assigned to construct an annex for the Fort Wellington Secondary School, after he failed to deliver.

The project commenced in August last year at a cost of about $14.6M and the contractor was fired because of “poor performance and unreasonable delays.”

Contractor James Nicholson, of No. 28 Village, West Coast Berbice, recently signed the new contract for the work and has commenced the job, which is moving apace. It is expected to be completed in about three weeks at no extra cost.

Regional chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth (centre) with contractor, James Nicholson (right) and engineer, Mark Gupta (left) at the site.
Regional chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth (centre) with contractor, James Nicholson (right) and engineer, Mark Gupta (left) at the site.

The decision was taken following a meeting with Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and the Parent Teachers’ Association and the community.

Regional chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth who was also present at the meeting, “gave the assurance that the building will be completed and ready to accommodate the students for the new school year.”

Regional engineer Mark Gupta said the building is “70 percent completed and will house four classrooms, with each classroom being able to accommodate approximately 50 students.”

Further efforts are being made by the regional administration to have the lower flat enclosed. This would help to accommodate more classrooms so that students can be housed comfortably.