Road project to stay on track and be largely completed by year-end

Nassau, March 15, 2012--The New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP) will be completed despite delays caused by cost overruns and past issues with contractors. Tommy Turnquest, acting as the Free National Movement’s spokesperson, reminded Bahamians that these delays where caused by the previous government’s miss-management of the project from 2002 to 2007. The PLPs lack of credibility lead to not attracting a single reputable international company to bid on the road programme and caused the project to falter and come to a halt under their watch, he elaborated.

The project could have been continued in 2002 and completed for $56 million, the initial estimated cost. At that time the price of oil and construction materials was lower: the price of oil alone was about $20 a barrel, while today it is over $100 a barrel.

Turnquest pointed out that upon returning to office, the FNM government re-launched the process and renegotiated contracts to get the road works restarted. “Upon careful assessment of the IADB discussions regarding pending financing for the NPRIP, and after assessing the status of various road segments currently under construction, the government advises that most of the principal elements of the project are expected to be completed by the end of the year,” said Tommy Turnquest, acting spokesperson for the Free National Movement.

The hurricane season and the ongoing talks with the IADB may cause minor alterations to the schedule. However, the government is confident there are enough resources to complete in the coming months key elements of the project. Various segments are advanced and nearing completion, with at least three phases to be delivered next month:

- first layer of asphalt on Market street

- new paving on Prince Charles Drive

- significant portions between Beatrice Ave and Gleniston Park Ave

- paving from the back entrance of St Augustine’s College on Winters Drive

The government is committed to stay on course and find solutions to finish the project. These new roads will have a significant positive impact on economic activity, tourism and improve the lives of all New Providence residents.