I offer a special good night to everyone as we celebrate together, the 51st anniversary of the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors’ Association. Saluting this milestone of over five decades in the business of promoting the harsh discipline of mechanical laws, that work to establish a consistent and high level of skill, integrity and responsibility in the construction industry across Trinidad and Tobago.
In accepting this invitation, I was graciously asked by the Association’s President, Mr Glenn Mahabirsingh to provide a short insight on the Ministry of Works and Transport’s involvement as it relates to the construction industry for the year 2020. It is indeed my pleasure tonight to do so.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think it is important to begin by reinforcing that the Ministry of Works and Transport, by mandate remains committed to the social and economic advancement of Trinidad and Tobago. A large part to fulfilling that responsibility lies in the provision of high quality transportation infrastructure that promotes growth, sustainable development and personal quality of life.
However, at the core of this promise of improved societal well-being is a thriving construction sector. In Trinidad and Tobago, as it is in many countries, the primary driver of infrastructure development happens to be the Government.
In fact, for the year 2019 alone, a total of $835,485,790.00 was received under the Infrastructure Development and Consolidated Funds for approved projects that called upon the skilled hands of the entire rank and file of the industry including engineers, architects and others along with certified craftsmen and labourers both skilled and unskilled.
Major infrastructure undertakings also require that a vibrant market exists to facilitate the high demands for material such as concrete, sand, steel, equipment and other tools.
And I am sure that all of you would welcome a great portion of that opportunity. In that case, my most valuable nugget of wisdom would be for each firm represented here tonight- from the largest industry leaders to the smallest and the most recent newcomers, to channel all efforts into consistently staying competitive, providing value for money and striving to innovate at all times.
In so doing, you will collectively create a more vibrant market that is well aligned to Government’s thrust to engage local contractors as often as possible.
Remaining competitive also includes the pre-project phase of procurement; a process recently updated through the instrument of the new Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act. These newly enacted regulations improve upon the governance of public procurement in accordance with greater accountability, integrity, transparency and value for money.
Therefore, if you are truly serious about prospering in this market, you will need to familiarize yourself with these new laws as they will significantly impact the manner in which you tender for contracts in the public sector. .
The Ministry of Works and Transport is cognisant of the fact that infrastructure development not only contributes to the diversification of the economy but it also brings much needed opportunities to communities that exist away from the hub of commercial and economic activities.. A well-built road infrastructure encourages economic growth and social integration as is envisioned for example in the current construction of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway Extension to Sangre Grande (CRHES).
While phases 1a and 1b are already in progress, the preliminary construction schedule has laid out work that will carry on into the year 2025.
Phase 1 will run from Jan 2019 – Jan 2025 and will consist of 11 work packages.
Phase 3 will run from Dec 2019 – May 2021 and will consist of 3 Work Packages.
Further to this development, Government is also moving ahead with the construction of the Toco Port Facility. This is a worthwhile initiative that will, no doubt, increase the quality of life in east Trinidad. It will drive the establishment of brand new amenities, additional infrastructure and contribute to community integration and upliftment, and ultimately inspire national pride for the residents. It is envisaged to be a modern port facility capable of enabling the sail of passengers and their vehicles between Trinidad and Tobago.
This project is currently in the preliminary design and study stage. Conceptual designs were completed in 2017. Geophysical Surveys were completed in March 2019 and the EIA is expected to be completed by December 2019. As well, it is anticipated that the CEC would be granted by May 2020, paving the way for the award of a Design-Build Contract by September 2020.
The Toco Port is expected to be completed by September 2023. The total estimated cost of this project is $800Mn.
As I journey from the East, I’d like to now share with you the latest on the construction activities of the Chaguanas Traffic Alleviation Project which has been conceptualized to ease congestion and travel times in this constantly expanding area of Trinidad. Phase 1 was opened on June 21, 2019 and consisted of a new traffic alternative inclusive of two roundabouts, one at Price Plaza and the other at Rodney Road.
However, there is more work planned for the Chaguanas Area to sufficiently augment the flow of traffic.
Future phases include:
-
Phase 1A – Endeavour Phase I
-
Phase 1B - Soogrim Trace Roundabout.
-
Phase 2 - Endeavour Phase II
-
Phase 3 – Upgrade to the Munroe Road Interchange
-
Phase 4 – Construction of two overpasses at Soogrim Trace and at Brentwood
In the West, we also have projects that will spawn opportunities. This includes the expansion of the Chaguaramas Road infrastructure.
The proposed scope includes the widening of the Western Main Road to three (3) lanes and the implementation of an automated reversible lane system as a short term solution to alleviate traffic congestion.
Concepts for the widening to three (3) lanes have been prepared by the POSWEC Transportation Project Unit and the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency having the responsibility to prepare detailed designs and supervise this project.
These plans are scheduled to be completed by January 2020.
As we move from central and west to north Trinidad, the Ministry of Works and Transport is in the process of removing all traffic lights from POS to Sangre Grande. This means that traffic lights will be replaced with interchanges to increase the flow of motor vehicles along the vital artery of north Trinidad that conveys 84,000 vehicles per day.
As such, Phase 2 of this project will continue into 2020 and extend to at least 2022. From the SMR to Golden Grove Road including the removal of 6 traffic lights and an estimated 3 overpasses with frontage roads or eastern link is planned. The proposed implementation schedule is as follows:
-
Design Build Services – One (1) Interchange east of CRH/SMR Flyover
-
Invite Tenders - March 2020
-
Tenders Close - May 2020
-
Award of Contract - July 2020
-
Mobilization of DB Contractor – August 2020 (Advanced Payment)
-
Commence Design Build Contract – September 2020
In fiscal 2020, the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency alone proposes to commence key projects valued at $700-Mn. Examples of such include the:
-
Construction of Movie Towne Walkover
-
Wrightson Road Widening: From Maraval Parkway to Sackville Street
-
Farm Road to the Uriah Butler Highway – Construction of Alternative Access Route
Heading down to south Trinidad, we anticipate work to begin on the Moruga Fishing Port and associated infrastructure which we believe will help to contribute to diversification of the economy in rural southern communities. Therefore, this port is envisaged to provide commercial and retail opportunities ashore, while the berthing of up to 175 marine vessels will occur a short distance off-shore in keeping with the stipulations of the EMA.
It is estimated that 3000 tons of catch will be processed at this Moruga fishing port per year. The landside facility is expected to be completed by July 2021 and the marine facility by September 2023.
Detailed designs for the marine facility were completed in July 2019.
Detailed designs and tender documents for the landside facilities were completed in July 2019.
The CEC for the landside facility was granted in August 2019. The expected sod turning of this facility is scheduled for the end of November.
An EIA study for the marine facility is expected to be completed by March 2020 following which a CEC is expected to be granted by August 2020. It is expected that construction of the marine facility would commence by December 2020.
Finally, I am aware that your Association has been lobbying the Ministry to address the issue of the contractual requirement for your machine operators to obtain Class 7 drivers’ permits in order to operate some of your machinery.
I am pleased to inform you tonight that the Ministry’s legal team has examined the issue and the law and has advised that that this requirement is not in alignment with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. In this regard, the Ministry, within the next two (2) weeks will be writing your organisation to advise of our final position. I hope that the resolution of this simple but important matter will demonstrate our commitment to continue to partner with you in the transformation and development of Trinidad and Tobago
Ladies and gentlemen, a thriving construction sector plays a pivotal role in the economic health of any society and my intention tonight was for each of you to understand that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains fully committed to building a nation that is prosperous in every way.
That prosperity begins with safe and fluid transportation. What good is a hospital if there is no road to take you there or if there is traffic congestion that will delay your treatment? The best schools can be built but if the path to learning is marred with flooding or a bridge non-existent, then the efforts to create a better education system are greatly compromised. In fact, any aspect of life that leads to fulfilment requires a road to take you there.
The projects I have mentioned tonight represent some of the priority areas for transportation infrastructure in the coming year that will require the work of you, our local contractors.
Your expertise, talent and skilful execution will help to establish the Government’s bold vision for our future.
As Minister of Works and Transport, I would like to take this opportunity to commend you for your patience, cooperation and understanding. I assure you that your work is never taken for granted. Once again, I extend congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors’ Association on this occasion of celebrating 51 years. It certainly is an accomplishment. I commend you once more on a job well done as you continue to strive for excellence in the sector.
Thank you