PP gov't won't accept shoddy work on new highway; demands transfer of technology as well

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar launched the new multi-billion dollar highway construction project from San Fernando to Point Fortin Tuesday with a warning that her government will not accept shoddy workmanship.

And she made it clear that all contractors working on the project would have to post a hefty bond that will be used to repair any defective work.

"This Government will not compromise the safety of its people on roads that are not properly constructed," she declared. "We are not paying contractors for roads that lack the proper compression."

She said firms will be blacklisted if they try to cheat the government "and instead of giving us the required type of aggregate you compromise with a downgraded mix. We will not accept mediocrity."

She added, "Gone are the days and gone is the government that used to accept roads with waves and sinks. This Government demands that this highway must be delivered at the highest standards for our people. Anything short of the best is not acceptable."

Persad-Bissessar said during the four years of construction, thousands will get jobs because the giovernment has insisted on a minimum 40 per cent local component from the Brazilian firm that has won the contract to build the highway.

"Indeed, this is a project that the people of Trinidad and Tobago will own and that is something for us to be proud of as a country. Gone are the days when the labour to complete the job was completely foreign used," she said.

"We have gone even further. We have insisted that even with the use of materials, equipment and supplies etc., that at least 40% must come from our local industry wherever such is possible."

She said another benefit for the people will be the transfer of technology. "What our locals could not do before because of a lack of experience they must be able to do after."

She said in demanding local input "we are developing human capacity and institutionally strengthening our organizations to become more sustainable and ready to position themselves among the global giants."

The highway is one of several infrastructure projects in the People's Partnership manifesto. "This highway my people, is just one of the many promises we made to you and once more, we have delivered," she said.

The Prime Minister said the highway will bring much relief to the people of the country. She added that accelerating infrastructural development such as the new highway will stimulate and strengthen national economy and position Trinidad and Tobago to grow more quickly as the world demands.

She noted that the highway will be built in accordance with international freeway standards with ight major interchanges, twelve crossroads, utility corridors, safety enhancements.

With respect top cost, the Prime Minister said of the $7.2 billion earmarked for the project, $2 billion will go land acquisition for this project.

"As you know a large number of persons and some communities will have to be relocated. Businesses and private individuals will have to be adequately compensated for their properties and the disruption and disturbance to their businesses and lives that the construction of this highway will cause.

"These persons must be adequately compensated and the Government will not shirk from its duty but will treat with all citizens equitably and fairly," she said.

Persad-Bissessar noted several benefits to come from the highway:

• Reduction of travel times between the rural regions and the other urban areas
• Remedying a troublesome stretch of road between San Fernando and Point Fortin
• Increasing the movement of people, goods and services for the befit of the population at large
• 10,000 skilled and unskilled jobs in the first phase, reducing unempoyment and creating a more sustainable living for citizens of this region and country
• Greater demand for aggregates, sand, cement, bitumen and asphalt from local suppliers
• Creation of several downstream industries which will stimulate the transportation industry, service contractors, small entrepreneurs who provide food and other ancillary products

"Indeed, the benefits are numerous to the people of Point Fortin and I wish to state that you are important to us as a Government and we intend to treat you equally. No more promises that are not delivered. You deserve, like every other citizen of this country, the best," she said.

She was also emphatic that there is one promise that she will also deliver - the south campus of the University of the West Indies Campus. "In that regard I’m proud to announce here that on February 24th we will turn the sod for the South Campus of the University of the West Indies."

The emphasis on the Debe campus was in response to a comment from the leader of trhe opposition. Keith Rowley told reporters Monday the campus should not be located there.

Earlier in the afternoon Oropuche East MP Roodal Moonilal also made reference to the south campus, saying the People's Partnership government will make sure educational facilities are available to all across the country so that people in Debe won't have to just "make doubles and phulourie".

The government has also pledged to open a Tobago campus of the regional university.