The president of the general contractor for the troubled Berkeley development last night hit back at the "rumour and innuendo" and said steps were being taken to safeguard the project.

Arthur Ebbin, head of Pro-Active Management Systems' Ltd., said everything was being worked out yesterday afternoon and the development would continue as normal.

"We are doing our business as we go from day to day," said Mr. Ebbin. "We are working with our suppliers and the Government to make the project a success. We have been working out a lot of things.

"Right now, all parties are working together to make sure that we meet the goals that are required.

"I understand that you have a job to do, but a lot of the stuff is rumour and innuendo. You guys are hurting my business; you don't understand.

"Stress? Do you have any idea?"

Mr. Ebbin would not comment on the outstanding payments owed to his sub-contractors, or claims that there were no materials and resources on the site.

He also would not comment on claims that materials had been at the docks in Hamilton waiting to be collected for some time.

"I'm not saying nothing. People are obviously trying to cause problems," he added.