By CELESTE NIXON
Tribune Staff Reporter
cnixon@tribunemedia.net
THE government is not expected to stop or reverse current road works since the project is 90 per cent complete - but it is still under review according to the new Deputy Prime Minister.
Speaking outside of Cabinet yesterday, Philip "Brave" Davis, who is also Minister of Works, said he has been told that 90 per cent of the New Providence Road Improvement project was complete and while there were no plans to stop works, the project was under review.
He said: "We are not stopping right now, we are trying to complete the works in an effective and manageable manner where jobs are not lost, businesses do not close and there is a minimum destruction to the lives of the Bahamian people and road users.
"There are a lot of concerns about the execution of the road improvement programme. Whether the concerns reach a level where we have to terminate contracts, I am unable to say at this stage."
While in opposition, the PLP criticised the former FNM government for the road works project being some $100 million over budget and its detrimental effect on businesses, road users and communities.
During his swearing in ceremony at Government House last week, Mr Davis said: "Our initial thought is that there will be many challenges in the Ministry of Works having regards to what has been happening with the road works and the general implementation of the infrastructural works issues; the cost overruns...and that's the first challenge we have to address, try to get a handle on that and bring some order and effectiveness for the carrying out of those works.
"It is troubling to have $100 million in overcosts, it's the first issue we will have to look at and we intend to call in all the players and have a review of what's going on," he said.
While ensuring that road works are carried out in an effective manner, Mr Davis also revealed yesterday that crime and unemployment will be at the top of the Cabinet's agenda.
"I am anxious to get to work and address the issues that have impacted the lives of our Bahamian people," he said. "We are trying to get our people back to work and crime off our streets."
Comments
B_I_D___ 11 years, 11 months ago
...while I am ecstatic that they will let the road works be completed...I do have to chuckle...all that big talk by the PLP during the election rallies...simply telling people what they want to hear, without having the knowledge or capacity to understand the full ramifications of the work at hand.
I'm happy to see that the PLP is failing in all its election promises...not to make them look like fools (but that is a perk), but to see that what got started, gets finished. Just sad that the Bahamian populace bought into the lies of what they CAN do, over what they are GOING to do.
B.I.D...
spoitier 11 years, 11 months ago
The elections was just last week, how could someone fail on their promises that fast, I've heard about now people but this is extreme.
notsogullible 11 years, 11 months ago
You are perhaps just blinded by being a part of the PLP culture. This is not just one election promise they have failed on
Livestofish 11 years, 11 months ago
Hello Mr. Davis I hope you somehow stumble upon this article and perhaps took the time out to read my post. With that being said I'll like to say that although you were able to win the constituency of Cat island, Rum cay and San Sal a few weeks ago, I'd like to warn you that due to your poor representation skills and lack of concern the people of cat island are very fed up. For far to long you've neglected us . We are far behind the other island in the Bahamas and it seems as if you don't care. You have use us as stepping stones for far to long, it time you live up to your obligations .. 1. We need a new terminal building 2. We need another festival 3. We need new roads 4. We need a resort ( so please attract an investor). 5. We need scholarships for the youth. And last but not least you need to cut ties with Ezra Russell he is no good for you!!!
spoitier 11 years, 11 months ago
The people is fed up and voted for him just last week, one or two things here: Either you're speaking for yourself or the people like bad treatment.
Livestofish 11 years, 11 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
B_I_D___ 11 years, 11 months ago
...Bahamians are Stupid...even one of the PLP candidates that WON HIS SEAT, Leslie Miller, stated that fact and people still voted for him. They are not even having to prove their failures in this early stage, as they are already backtracking on all their bold statements made during the rallies that won them the election. Road Contractor JCCC to go...well, now...maybe not... We'll help pay people's mortgages...well, in light of being downgraded...maybe not... We'll take back BTC...well, we'll at least review the deal...if they change that contract we are sunk for any future investment. We'll employ Bahamians...yet they kill the job placement program... We'll crank up a Commission of Inquiry...well...we'll review that and see if it is necessary after all. I just hope that they are able to make a dent in crime...but hey, they are going to loosen the laws and turn the criminals loose, because the criminals are complaining about having to do time for their crime... Pretty impressive kick-off to rebuilding this country...at least the previous government, in the light of global recessions, as painful as it was/is, bit the bullet and went ahead with MASSIVE infrastructure programs, that no previous government would touch as it would most certainly annoy people enough to not re-elect them. If we are crime free and Bahamians can hold their head high in 5 years time for being a world class destination with low unemployment and near zero crime, I'll eat my words. PLP just made more noise and made promises they have no way of keeping, and swung a big one over the 'stupid Bahamians'. ...B.I.D...
notsogullible 11 years, 11 months ago
Well said
chonny 11 years, 11 months ago
it is good to know everyone have a chance to vote for who they please weather its the rite choice or not please stop calling each other names and give the plp a chance to prove them selves then judge them my god they just started on week ago give them a chance just maybe they mean well
concernedcitizen 11 years, 11 months ago
i,m trying ,but those cabinet choices don,t give me a warm fuzzy feeling ,of course i want and pray for the best for our country
242 11 years, 11 months ago
You've been had.....
welly 11 years, 11 months ago
cnonny I am giving them the benefit of the doubt but some of us have just been down this road before with this group. And its starting to look like 2002 all over again, I truly just want them to get things moving all this talk talk talk gets a bit redundant.
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