Government has spent $1.6 million on infrastructure projects as part of its short term stimulus programme aimed at boosting the economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

David Burch, the public works minister, said today that five of 16 projects that had been launched since last December had been completed while another three projects had not yet been awarded to bidders.

There were a total of 19 projects in all under the stimulus programme, with an authorised value of $13.4 million.

Lieutenant Colonel Burch said completed projects included the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory which was completed on June 11 and officially opened yesterday, loading dock repairs for Artemis Building A completed on June 16; and roadside fencing at Mullet Bay Road, St George’s, South Road, Smith’s Parish; and Government Hill.

Lieutenant Colonel Burch said nine projects were still underway, including:

· Flatts Bridge handrail project – work underway.

· Artemis building B Interior Work – Started May 21, 2021 – Duration 8 weeks

· Elbow Beach Access – May 17, 2021 – Duration five weeks. Substantial completion has been achieved with the steps poured and in place. Waiting on fabrication and installation of handrails which should be complete in 2-3 weeks.

· New Plant Inspection Building at Botanical Gardens – Started May 24 – Duration 16 weeks

· Verandah repairs at Camden - Started week of May 30 – Duration 12 weeks

· Road Side Fencing Project 2 – Started June 7 – Duration 4 weeks

· Dock Maintenance Pack 2 – Started June 14 – Duration 6 weeks

· Dock Maintenance Pack 3 – Started June 14th – Duration 6 weeks

· Darrell’s Wharf Dock Repairs – Started June 28 – Duration 4 weeks

Two contracts were awarded but awaiting start date:

· Artemis Building B – Wash-down Area – Awarded to Heart and Soul Construction. Start date is August 2.

· Waste water section landscaping project –Awarded to Unity Edible Landscapes – Start Date is August 2 – Duration 4 weeks

Lieutenant Colonel Burch said three projects were out for RFQS or evaluation:

· Cleaning Pembroke Canal – RFQ received May 6th – Evaluations ongoing. Pre-contract site meetings scheduled for next week.

· Roadside Vegetation Removal – RFQ received May 5 – Evaluations ongoing.

· Quarry Slate Shelter – RFQ received June 9 – Still undergoing evaluations as there was a large discrepancy in price between contractors.

He said $1,618,735.14 or 12 per cent of stimulus funds had been spent and $4,875,308.70 or 36 per cent of Stimulus Funds had been allocated and 14 out of 93 companies which had qualified for stimulus contracts had received work.