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  by pltm
• Mar 17, 2023
• 24

(PLTM) - Following pushback from residents, Hon. Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, has confirmed that the new budgeted amount for the restrooms at Brewers Bay Beach is $238,272.00.

Hon. Turnbull in a statement explained that an initial amount of $213,000.00 was budgeted for the completion of this project.

He stated that of this amount, K&C Construction was awarded a contract for $124,258.70 while a contract was also awarded to Connect Enterprises Limited for installation of a treatment sewage plant for $60,457.10.

However, Hon. Turnbull noted that there would be additional costs for installation of electricity, water, countertops and an access ramp.

“As works progressed, the budget was adjusted to $238,272.11, to account for critical design changes and material costs, for a difference of $25,272.11.

On Monday, a caller to the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) lets talk programme questioned Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio Wheatley about the completion of the project. Dr. Wheatley had disclosed that an additional $101,000 was approved to complete the project.

The information provided by the Premier appeared to have caught the caller by surprise.

“That kind of money for a bathroom. To me that is like if you were building a house. I mean a bathroom for that kind of money,” the caller stated.

Hon. Turnbull in his statement that his response was based on inaccurate information given on talk shows and online media.

“It is accurate that The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands recently approved $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,” Hon. Turnbull stated.

He stated that the amount recently approved by Cabinet contributes to the complete payment of the remaining amount of the contract with K&C Construction; complete the supply and installation of a sewage treatment plant; complete the installation of electricity for the facility; complete the installation of the countertops for the facility; complete the installation of a ramp; and complete the installation of water for the facility.

Hon. Turnbull assured that the funding approved for the project has been carefully allocated, and is for the sole purpose of construction and the complementary works.

“A functional bathroom that is accessible to the public and managed by an appropriate governmental entity has been a long time need for this community, beach patrons and event organizers. Added functionality of the beach will increase its value and use,” Hon. Turnbull stated.

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