IF all goes well, construction on the second phase of the new River Terminal should start in a few months’ time.
That’s the word from Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley. Providing an update on the project, Minister Lashley said that the deadline for bids to be submitted to undertake the work on this final phase, which includes the concourse, closed just two Fridays ago and the response was “pretty good”. This phase, he explained, is all part of the $3.5 million earmarked for the River Terminal project, which is intended to greatly improve the conditions for route taxi and minibus operators who are posted there and the commuters utilising their services.
The Transport and Works Minister further told The Barbados Advocate that over the next few weeks officials will be carefully examining the bids that were submitted, so that the contract can be awarded with the view of starting construction no later than early October.
“As soon as the Special Tenders [Committee] meets and they decide on the successful bid, then the contract can be drawn up and signed and the work can start. We hope that can be started at least by the last week in September or the first week in October,” he stated.
His comments came as he added that work continues on the site of the old Queen’s College School building in The City, which is being renovated to accommodate the main terminal on the ground floor.
He indicated that substantial work has been carried out on the building, and stated that based on the current state of the renovations he expects the building should be ready to open by November.
“Workers from MTW are working on that building getting it ready for commuters. We are installing an elevator shaft; the building is being painted; offices are being constructed; interior plumbing is being done – the work is really quite extensive,” he said.
Included in that building, the Minister noted, will be the main terminal outfitted with washrooms for male and female commuters, offices for the Transport Authority and an outpost for the Royal Barbados Police Force.
This modern multi-purpose facility, he insisted, will bring order to the bus stand and make it easier for route taxi and minibus operators to ply their trade. (JRT)
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