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by pltm
(PLTM) - The controversial cruise pier and landside development is some 97% completed and government has expended just over $82M, but Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr. Anthony McMaster is adamant that something miraculous has to happen for the project to exceed a total cost of $82.9M.
Speaking with BVI Platinum News this week, McMaster said that $82,155,193 has been spent to date.
In mid last year, Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith had indicated that the cost is likely to climb from the $82.9M figure Communications and Works Minister, Hon. Mark Vanterpool provided to the House of Assembly in January 2016.
"When the Premier was speaking, I guess it was based on what he had seen happening before...and I guess because we had a few project contracts which were still being executed. So he was sort of giving a caution light---ok we expect it to be this, but there could always be variations because there are contracts still running," McMaster explained.
He said, "But this is where we are at because we don’t expect costs to go any further. We expect them to be completed within the contracts. We don’t see it going over the figure, not at this point. Unless something miraculously happens, we don’t see it going past it."
The incomplete works are aspects of the floating dock, the full functioning of the lights and the completion of building #5, which was identified to house the flagship restaurant, Margaritaville. Works were halted due primarily to cost and other factors.
However, McMaster said that the plan is still in the works to have a building constructed.
"…Building number 5 has to be done…It was always envisioned that it would be done in conjunction with the BVI Ports Authority and an external partner, rather than the Port doing…That is still to be done..."
The project has been hit with major corruption allegations, which forced Premier Smith to order an audit; however, the audit, which is being conducted by KPMG, is yet to be completed.
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