St Helena : Update on Invitation to Tender
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 01.06.2006 (Article Archived on 15.06.2006)
Three contractors have expressed an interest in building St. Helena's Airport.
Press Release
AIR ACCESS PROJECT
UPDATE ON ‘INVITATION TO TENDER’
SHG and DFID have been working intensively towards getting the Invitation to Tender documents for the construction of the airport and associated infrastructure out to the three pre-qualified contractors by the end of May 2006. However there will be a short delay as a result of following up:
a) suggestions raised during the Public Information and Consultation Week and
b) recommendations made by a recent Gateway Review – an independent project review
All three contractors have confirmed that the delay is acceptable and they are planning to postpone their visit to St Helena from July to August 2006.
Public Information and Consultation Week
Although an enormous amount of support was voiced for the various infrastructure proposals during the Public Information and Consultation week, there were also some issues raised on houses, on Wirebird habitats, etc. Further consideration was given to how to balance the minimisation of disruption and the maximising of the long term benefits to St Helena.
With this in mind, the Executive Council have since assessed and approved the proposal to develop the Contractor’s temporary landing facility at Rupert’s Bay into a wharf facility that could, following completion of the airport, be used to serve St Helena’s cargo offloading needs. They have also approved the development of a new Bulk Fuel Facility further up Rupert’s Valley from the existing one, with improved health and safety provision to serve all of the island’s needs. The Asset Replacement Fund will contribute to this.
Executive Council have also recognised that whilst a haul route from Prosperous Bay up to the airport site may see shorter and cheaper, it would not provide long term benefits. Members agreed with the proposal to construct a new haul road from Rupert’s Bay through Deadwood via Pipe Ridge and then around the back of Longwood into Prosperous Bay Plain. This new road will provide a much needed opportunity for opening up the area for future development.
OGC Gateway Review
The Gateway Review is a well established way for the UK Government to assess major procurement programmes like the St Helena Airport. The review looks at whether all the necessary steps are in place to proceed and at whether the project is still on track as regards best value for money. The Independent Gateway Review Team interviewed SHG and DFID Access Team Members, other Government Officials and the Governor. The Team were also given access to any project reports/documentation.
The outcome is that no major concerns about the project were raised. However there are a number of recommendations to implement before issuing the Invitation to Tender.
Sharon Wainwright,
Nigel Kirby,
St Helena Access Project Managers – SHG and DFID
|
