AG chambers seeking $60M for substandard work at Albion Sports Complex

AlbionThe Attorney General Chamber has filed legal proceedings against the company that was contracted for consultancy services on the installation of floodlights at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne, Berbice.

Design and Construction Services Ltd was slapped with the $60.3 million lawsuit for breach of contract and negligence in the performance of services it was hired for. The action was filed in the Commercial Division of the Court on Friday. It is set to be heard by the presiding judge on November 12.

The construction company signed a contract with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, since February 28, 2011, to provide consultancy services in relation to the design and supervision of all capital works on the project, which included the building and construction of civil and electrical works for the erection and operation of six lighting towers supplied by MUSCO Sports Lighting Inc at Albion Sports Complex.

According to the Statement of Claim filed, the Plaintiff claims that in executing works detailed in the contract, Design and Construction Services Ltd was neglectful in performing its services and failed to design, specify, and outline the appropriate foundation structure and electrical system for the erection of six lighting towers and to prepare adequate bills of quantities thereof.

In addition, the legal document stated that because of those actions, the foundation structures and the electrical system designed by the company contained serious and substantial defects.

These defects, the Statement of Claim said, prevented the foundation structures and electrical system from being used for the purpose they were designed for and they had to be demolished, redesigned and reconstructed at additional costs to the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry.

The installation of floodlighting facilities at the Albion Sport Complex was intended for the playing of cricket and hosting of other sporting events at nights. In July last, the $91 million project was commissioned by President Donald Ramotar.

The six towers contain 17 luminaries on each pole, which totalled 102 1500 watts bulbs that are being powered by Guyana Power and Light (GPL). A high powered generator is expected to be acquired in the near future.

The project was completed in phases. The first phase had to do with the supply of the floodlight equipment; while phase two dealt with the construction, placing of the foundation, and erection of towers.

Phase three entails tying-up the project with the installation of the imported equipment and powering of the system.