Prior to a fire at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in Andros, the project was already behind schedule, according to Minister of Agriculture V. Alfred Gray.
Gray had suggested that the government revisit contracts or cancel them altogether if progress is not made in the coming weeks.
"I'm not sure what the government is going to do with those contractors who are lagging behind," Gray told The Guardian two days before the fire.
"My reaction to that would be that the government may have to revisit those contacts and if they [have] been breaching them we would have to determine whether we give them deadlines again or we bring their contractual obligations to an end.
"But I don't think the government is going to continue to say okay, we'll give you another chance. I think the government is very serious that those buildings, as they promised us, must be ready for opening... at the Easter break.
"[If] we see that, that is not going to happen I think the government is ready and willing to make whatever decision is required of us."
The government hired 14 contractors.
Fire severely damaged the male dormitory, which was 80 percent completed. Officials said it was intentionally set, but no motive has yet been revealed.
Yesterday, Gray said it is even more critical for all of the other buildings to be completed on time.
He said the government will rebuild the dorm, adding that the setback would not hamper the government's plan to attain food security.
"I'm saddened by the setback, but we are soldiers," Gray said.
In the meantime, he said the government would have to continue to house the students elsewhere.
The students are being housed in Westside Fishing Resort and CJ's Resort.
Gray previously revealed the cost of the temporary accommodations for students and staff will total $120,000.
Classes started in September.
Fewer than 50 students are enrolled. Asked about their progress, Gray said many of their grades are not up to standard.
"I'm told that there are some students whose grades are not what we would like them to be over the last term and they have been advised on that," he said.
"They have to keep their grades up if they want to be in BAMSI because BAMSI is not a place for rejects. It's a place where students want to learn. And it's a place where we only accept the best."
Gray noted that the students still have a chance to get their grades up.
"But I would encourage them to keep their standards high and work hard," he said.

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