PHILIPSBURG:--- The ongoing paving of side roads in Cole Bay has sparked both praise and concern among residents, as questions arise about the quality and oversight of the work being carried out. Roads such as Man Jack and others in the area have been undergoing improvements, but feedback from the community suggests that not all projects are meeting expectations.
During Wednesday’s press briefing, the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs Jr., addressed these concerns, responding to a question raised by a resident about the government's control over contractors and the value being delivered for taxpayer money.
SMN News highlighted that while contracts are signed with specific terms and expectations, the work being executed on the ground often deviates from what was agreed upon. An example of a road in Cole Bay that was supposed to be paved but, according to residents, only received minor patchwork to fill a few holes. This discrepancy has left many questioning whether the government is ensuring that contractors are held accountable and that the public is getting its money's worth.
In his response, Minister Gumbs Jr. reassured the public that project management is a critical component of all government infrastructure projects. He explained that the Department of New Works is responsible for overseeing these projects, ensuring that benchmarks are met, and conducting regular inspections. He emphasized that funds are only disbursed once specific milestones are achieved and a checklist of deliverables is completed.
"I haven’t heard any complaints about what contractually has to be done, has not been done," Minister Gumbs Jr. stated. However, he acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to bringing the matter to the attention of the New Works Department. "I will, of course, take this information back to the team to see how we can sort of verify these statements being made," he added.
The Minister also highlighted the structured approach to project management within the government, which includes regular inspections and accountability measures to ensure that contractors deliver on their commitments. Despite this, the feedback from Cole Bay residents suggests that there may be gaps in the system that need to be addressed.
The paving of side roads in Cole Bay is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. However, the concerns raised underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective communication between the government, contractors, and the community.
As the government continues its road improvement projects, residents will be watching closely to see if their concerns are addressed and if the promised quality of work is delivered. Minister Gumbs Jr.'s commitment to investigating the matter is a step in the right direction, but the community will be looking for tangible results to restore confidence in the process.
