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The family of PNM local government campaign manager John Rahael received project contracts from the previous PNM administration which amassed more than $1 billion in cost overruns, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan claimed yesterday. In his maiden address to the Senate regarding a motion on the economy, Ramlogan listed a litany of PNM projects with cost overruns and cited other alleged irregularities and “deals” of that administration.
Ramlogan listed delays and cost overruns on several of those projects—Couva Junior Secondary ($172 million), Barataria Junior Secondary ($149 million), Pleasantville Junior Secondary ($150 million). He said Osha laws virtually closed down the contract for the Pleasantville project due to safety concerns. Ramlogan said the information was often “secreted” and concealed and getting it from the public service was often a challenge. He said, however, the situation revealed that one group loyal to the former ruling party—whose local government campaign is being managed by Rahael—received the projects. Outlining cost overruns in other areas, Ramlogan said that in ten national projects (out of 70) done by Udecott, there were also more than $4 billion in cost overruns with the equivalent of more than 20 years’ delay.
Overruns
• Chaguanas Corporation administrative complex—over budget by $10 million—24-month delay.
• Chancery Lane complex—$300 million over budget—24-month delay.
• Government campus and Legal Affairs tower—$300 million over budget—18-month delay.
• Waterfront project—$1.3 billion over budget—six-month delay.
• Education Ministry tower—$300 million over budget—20-month delay.
• Performing Arts Centre—$234 million over budget—one-year delay.
• South PRC—$238 million over budget—13 months overdue.
• Beverly Hills Housing—$106 million cost overrun—65-month delay.
• Lara Stadium—several million cost overrun—41-months delay.
• Diplomatic Centre—$700 million cost overrun—five-month delay.