Within recent weeks, many residents have expressed shock over the high cost of construction for a bathroom facility at the Brewer’s Bay beach in the Second District.
The bathroom facility falls under the portfolio of Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull and some $101,000 has been allocated towards the completion of the project from the Minister of Finance.
Previous quotes from the former Minister of Finance reportedly outlined quotes as follows: $163,000, $143,000 and $125,000.
Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull recently spoke directly to the issue of cost raised by residents for the bathroom facility.
In his statement Turnbull said, “I am urged to give clarity on the ongoing construction of the restrooms at Brewers Bay Beach based on inaccurate information given on talk shows and online media. An initial sum of two hundred and thirteen thousand dollars ($213,000.00) was budgeted for the completion of this project. Of this amount, K&C Construction was awarded a contract for one hundred and twenty-four thousand, two hundred and fifty-eight dollars and seventy cents ($124,258.70). A contract was also awarded to Connect Enterprises Limited for installation of a treatment sewage plant for sixty thousand, four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ten cents ($60,457.10). Finally, there would be additional costs for installation of electricity, water, countertops and an access ramp.”
Additionally, Turnbull said, “As works progressed, the budget was adjusted to total two hundred and thirty-eight thousand, two hundred and seventy-two dollars and eleven cents ($238,272.11), to account for critical design changes and material costs, for a difference of twenty-five thousand, two hundred and seventy-two dollars and eleven cents ($25,272.11).”
In regard to cabinets approval for the previously stated amount, the Minister of Labour also said, “It is accurate that The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands recently approved one hundred and one thousand, one hundred and one dollars ($101,000.00); however, these monies are toward the predetermined budget. No additional budget items were added to the project and the difference of $25,272.11 was carefully vetted and determined to be necessary.”