Responding to the question of member of parliament Raffick Sorefan, the minister of Public Infrastructure, National Development Unit, Land Transport and Shipping Anil Bachoo stated that the contract provides for variations and a price adjustment mechanism. Additional works were needed to stabilise slopes where landslide problems have been identified and to control floods at these locations.
According to the minister, these works also include foundation stabilisation for bridges, restoration of accesses and diversion of existing services.
On a supplementary question of MMM MP Joe Lesjongard, as to whether a geological survey was carried out beforehand to ensure that such projects could be realised, the minister replied that for the first time in the history of the nation such road works have been undertaken and the competent engineers have overcome the obstacles.
The contract for the project was awarded for the sum of Rs 1,159,766,870.57, inclusive of value added tax.
Bachoo added that the project is expected to be completed by January 31, 2013, after which the road will become operational.
Answering MMM MP Ameer Meea who wanted to know who designed the project, Bachoo stated that the design was done by the Consulting Engineering Services, India with the support of Egyptian engineers. The contract was awarded to both Colas Group and REHM Grinaker.
