JOEL JULIEN
The Government has signalled its intention to pursue major infrastructural projects promised in the build-up to the general election campaign even as the country continues to grapple with a downturn in the economy.
Construction of a highway from Valencia to Toco, a port in Toco, as well as a roadway or causeway from Port-of-Spain to Chaguaramas are currently being contemplated by the Government. A site visit of the proposed fast ferry port located in Toco was conducted by hopeful consultants on Thursday.
"The consultant shall undertake documentation review, preliminary engineering studies site selection, conceptual designs, cost estimates and preparation of Design-Build tender documents utilising FIDIC yellow book 1999 form of contract for the establishment of a new Port facility and maritime infrastructure. The consultant shall indicate whether any upgrades are needed at Scarborough Port and prepare cost estimates as requested," Nidco stated. T&T Sunday Guardian contacted Nidco to determine the response to this request but a reply was not forthcoming.
This comes on the heels of a request for consultancy services for route selection and conceptual designs for the proposed Valencia to Toco highway project in April.
On April 22, a site visit of the proposed route selection and conceptual design of that highway was conducted.
Consultants hoping to participate in the services of the route selection and conceptual designs of the Valencia to Toco highway were given a deadline of May 24 to submit their documents.
A visit of the proposed site for the Port-of-Spain to Chaguaramas roadway is scheduled for Wednesday. The three major infrastructural projects are all being done through the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The request for proposals for the three projects is being handled by the National Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (Nidco). On the campaign trail in the last general election, former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar broached the issue of a "causeway" from Port-of-Spain to Chaguaramas. Last Thursday, in a newspaper advertisement, Nidco issued a request for proposal for the Chaguaramas roadway.
"The tender for consultancy services is open to all consultants who can demonstrate they have the financial resources, experience and technical expertise to provide the required services.
"Joint ventures and parent companies will be jointly and severally liable under the contract and will have to provide guarantees," the request for proposal states.
"Evaluation of proposals will be based on requirements including: background information and organisation of the respondent, financial capability of the respondent including insurances, general experience and similar work experience (consultancy services for highway projects), qualifications and experience of proposed personnel and management and implementation strategy," the ad states.
Prospective bidders are invited to a pre-tender meeting on Wednesday at 10 am at Nidco's head office in Port-of-Spain, with a site visit carded for the same day.