The Government has begun the search for a contractor to repair the roof of the ageing Government House, which was last year declared unfit for use.

A request for quotations, published on the government procurement website this week, sought non-binding quotations for Government House roof covering.

The notice said: “The ministry is looking for a qualified and experienced contractor to carry out the services of the TPO Government House Roof Covering Project.

“The contractor is to allow for the careful removal and disposal of the existing roof coverings, which is comprised of cement-covered clay tiles to the main house, towers and staff quarters, and with roofing boards to the veranda and an SKB-type roof over timber boards to the Deputy Governor's office.

“Allow for the retaining of the timber battens to the main house and timber boards beneath Deputy Governor's office. The existing metal gutters and downpipes are to be retained.”

The contractor would be required to provide labour and materials for the project as specified while complying with all relevant building codes.

The documents added that the works may be carried out while the buildings are partially occupied.

Roof-covering works are to be carried out during forecast dry weather conditions.

The documents stated: “The contractor is to allow for alterations and repositioning temporary tarpaulins, etc, necessary to protect the interior areas during the course of the roof-covering works.”

A mandatory site visit for prospective applicants will take place on July 15, with the deadline for submissions being August 5.

The House of Assembly heard in 2022 that the 19th-century building on Langton Hill suffered from extensive water damage because of leaking roofs and faulty windows.

However, major repairs were deferred owing to a lack of cash.

The Royal Gazetterevealed last September that the Governor, Rena Lalgie, and her family had to move into temporary accommodation paid for by taxpayers because the Government House was unsafe and not fit to live in.

The structure’s roof and windows need to be replaced or repaired and the full remediation is expected to take three to five years.

During the Budget debate, it was announced that $2.684 million had been allocated in the 2024-25 Budget for repairs to the ageing structure.

A post on the Government House Facebook page in February said that the Governor, her family and staff had “temporarily relocated to a property in Paget”.

A planning application for repairs was submitted in April, with a Cabinet Office spokeswoman stating that it was anticipated work would begin once plans are approved.

It was stated that the Ministry of Public Works will manage the planned refurbishments and oversee the project.