$400m Red House repair starts in March

[Ronaldo95163]

Government will pump $400 million into restoration work on the controversial Red House project by the end of March.

The Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott) has already spent $110 million on consultancy and construction work on the historical building, which remains unfinished.

Work on the Red House began 19 years ago, with Udecott assuming responsibility for the project in 2005.

To bring the project to a close, Udecott will inject a further $381 million on construction of a Parliamentary Complex—phase two—taking the total figure for the iconic building to a whopping $891 million.

Confirmation came from chairman of Udecott Noel Garcia at his Sackville Street, Port-of-Spain, office on Monday.

Sitting in the company of Udecott’s chief operations officer Abena Richards, Garcia revealed that public tenders for the restoration project went out last June.

Of the ten companies that submitted bids, Garcia said only three had pre-qualified.

“Those tenders have been evaluated. A decision is to be made before the end of the week as to how we are to proceed.

“A recommendation will come to the board on Wednesday. I expect we will have to sit and negotiate with the preferred contractor. This has to go to Cabinet for approval. We are talking about another two months. I suspect restoration work will start on the Red House by the end of March,” Garcia disclosed.

Garcia estimated the cost of the project at “$340 million to $400 million,” to be completed in 2018.

Since 1997, Garcia said, the Red House was earmarked to be restored, but this had been hindered by delays.

Once completed, Garcia said, Udecott would move to construction of the Parliamentary Complex on the northern side of the Red House to house administrative staff, a library, offices for MPs and other staff.

Richards said the complex’s “current base building cost” exclusive of outfitting costs and Value Added Tax (VAT) is estimated at $346.1 million “without contingency.”

With contingency-exclusive of VAT, Richards estimated the cost at $381.1 million.

Richards disclosed that the design work for the Parliamentary Complex “was ongoing right now. Once that is complete then we will go out for tender and then construction.”

Richards also gave a breakdown of the ten companies which were paid “thus far” by Udecott for consultancy and construction work on the Red House, which amounted to $110 million exclusive of VAT.

The largest payment went to Canadian firm Genivar Ltd who collected $26.7 million. Genivar was contracted to renovate and refurbish the southern and mid-section of the Red House, which was expected to house the Office of the Prime Minister.

The next biggest payment went to Bernard Mackay Architect/Saraiva e Associados, SA Joint Venture, with $23.4 million.

Enco Ltd was paid the least with $1.6 million.

Garcia: Project faced with

administrative confusion

Garcia said that given the technical nature of the “plaster of paris” works to be undertaken on the ceiling of the Red House, masonry and ironmongery skills would be required.

“So whoever gets the restoration contract must have technical assistance from foreign firms,” Garcia said.

Asked what delayed work on the historical building, Garcia said: “There were a number of issues.”

Among them were administrative changes, budgetary constraints, and changes in the scope of works.

Another setback occurred in 2014, following the discovery of bones and cultural artefacts during an excavation phase at the Red House, Garcia said.

“To a certain extent there was a bit of administrative confusion or ambiguity as to what should have been done. Then there were technical issues and hurdles. Restoration requires specialists. It was not a case of simply going out there to restore it. You have to get people who can understand what needs to be done. Then you have to reduce it into a brief and then tender. So those were factors that delayed the project,” Garcia said.

He said whenever a new administration came into power the project changed direction.

Garcia said when then prime minister Patrick Manning was in power there were plans to move the prime minister’s office to the Red House.

“That plan fell through the cracks when the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led government came into office in 2010, which saw the Red House being relocated to the Waterfront (International Financial Centre, Tower D). It took a different turn.

“There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing,” said Garcia.

“It has been a long time. It became almost like a football. It started with Nipdec then it went to the Ministry of Works. After that it was in abeyance. Then it landed in Udecott’s hands,” Garcia said.

Yesterday, in response to a text message, former leader of government business Dr Roodal Moonilal said to his knowledge the then People’s Partnership government did not pay Udecott—the landlord—a rent when the Red House shifted from Port-of-Spain to the Waterfront in 2011 “since it was a government building not private owners.”

Cadiz speaks

Former trade and industry minister Stephen Cadiz, in a 2011 Sunday Guardian article, disclosed that repairs and renovations to the Red House over the last eight years had cost taxpayers $200 million and citizens had not seen value for money.

Cadiz read a report coming out of a Joint Select Committee in the House of Representatives. Cadiz, who chaired a five-member committee appointed by Cabinet, said the first report raised serious concerns about the building.

The former Chaguanas East MP described the work by Udecott as a “botched job. The money has already been spent. We can’t recover any of it.”

Cadiz said ad hoc renovations had resulted in a number of problems, mainly modification of the building’s original design while there was lack of maintenance, leaks in the roof, insect infestation and deterioration of the building’s architectural structure.

He described the building as “untenable” stating that the committee had looked at three options for the Red House.

• The first was that restoration be done on a phased basis while Parliament conducted its affairs.

• The committee also considered the relocation of the entire Parliament to another building.

• The third option was a partial relocation, which Cadiz said was a recipe for disaster.

It was against this backdrop, Cadiz said, the committee recommended that necessary steps be taken to restore the Red House to a safe and healthy environment as a matter of urgency.

“Therefore, option two was the preferred choice by the committee, which is the relocation of the entire Parliament,” Cadiz said.

n See story in tomorrow’s paper: Economists okay with Govt spending on Red House, but want value for money

ABOUT THE RED HOUSE

Built in 1844, the Red House is the seat of Parliament for T&T. The current structure was built after the original government administration building was destroyed by fire in 1903. The new building was intended to house the Legislative Chamber and the offices of the governor, the Attorney General, the colonial treasurer and the law courts. The design was revised by public draughtsman Daniel Hahn and it was he who added the high central cupola popularly known as the Rotunda, the ornate stucco ceilings in the southern and northern chambers, and the fortifications around the roof.

Contractors/consultants paid by udecott

List of contractors/consultants paid by Udecott for consultancy and construction of the Red House. Prices are VAT exclusive:

• Alpha Engineering and Design (2002) Ltd $16,199,006.19

• Amcoweld Engineering Services Ltd $17,383,657.53

• Bynoe Rowe Wiltshire Partnership $10,636,001.40

• CEP Ltd $4,145,807.01

• Enco Ltd $1,683,189.19

• Evergreene Pain Ting Studios, Inc $2,322,672.26

• Genivar Ltd $26,704,090.62

• North Country Slate $2,381,807.92

• Adam’s Project Management & Construction Ltd $4,659,908.19

• Bernard Mackay Architect/Saraiva e Associados, SA Joint Venture $23,456,388.75

Sauce

[Cantmis]

Where zr

[zoom rader]

Where zr

No need to summons me bro.

I warned you all before elections.

This is the second time PNM dumping money to fix Red House.

It's a revolving scam and con job.

But again you all votes for that, do pay allyuh vat tomorrow

[russian123]

Sigh, it rel easy you kno, jus bat in ur crease, little common sense. Same sheit different day

[Strugglerzinc]

PNM on a mission to restart every project from their last reign. Property tax to stadium to red house.

Manning church might start back just now too.

[antlind]

What does the country need more.....a refurbished Red House or a Children's Hospital?

[EmilioA]

Them companies listed. They were paid under the PNM or the PP ?

[playerskrew]

$891 million dollars for a renovation. Nice.

[konartis]

Is the look on pnm people faces...aside from the normal stupid look they have...is shame added to it...PP was right...vanity projects....

[desifemlove]

What does the country need more.....a refurbished Red House or a Children's Hospital?

spare bed space/ward space we does already have is needed more...and the docs/nurses and equipment to house Couva...

[desifemlove]

that said, why is there a need? the issue is continuous maintenance, literally non-stop. or a yearly schedule. not something needed now.

[desifemlove]

PNM on a mission to restart every project from their last reign. Property tax to stadium to red house.

Manning church might start back just now too.

and the pt. fortin highway...a PNM idea that she took all credit for conceiving...

[teems1]

PNM on a mission to restart every project from their last reign. Property tax to stadium to red house.

Manning church might start back just now too.

and the pt. fortin highway...a PNM idea that she took all credit for conceiving...

Since a toddler I've wondered why there wasn't an overpass for CRH Eastbound --> Southbound, or a water taxi from San Fernando --> POS.

Did the PNM take the credit for my ideas with their implementation?

There are loads of ideas floating around to improve the countries' road network and public transport system. It's just up to who acts on it.

[Spitfir3]

nice to see them pumping money into these projects that will benefit us citizens in these hard times

[S_2NR]

What does the country need more.....a refurbished Red House or a Children's Hospital?

hospital? who need a hospital when the country just need to LOOK good with stadium and red house.

[Habit7]

What does the country need more.....a refurbished Red House or a Children's Hospital?

We need doctors, ones that studied for 5 years for their MBBS, 4 years for their DM and then have at least 5 years work experience.

First they can fill the current vacancies in our existing hospitals, then we can staff that building Kamla opened in Couva then when the fete was done, turned around and locked back the doors. Because she knows that skilled doctors are a human resources money can't just buy but takes years to source.

[jhonnieblue]

Seriosuly it would be cheaper to mash that old crap down and build a new building..bit like anyone gives a crap about it
Or that they need it now...this is a waste of money


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Allergic2BunnyEars]

Where zr

No need to summons me bro.

I warned you all before elections.

This is the second time PNM dumping money to fix Red House.

It's a revolving scam and con job.

But again you all votes for that, do pay allyuh vat tomorrow

This is a continuation of what happened under the PP. Consultancy was ongoing on the Red House years now and also on the President's House. Local architecture firms sourced on the consultancy have been mandated to repair the Red House, update it to modern standards while keeping the historical style of the building. This has been ongoing since at least 2013.

[Cantmis]

A few views

[zoom rader]

Where zr

No need to summons me bro.

I warned you all before elections.

This is the second time PNM dumping money to fix Red House.

It's a revolving scam and con job.

But again you all votes for that, do pay allyuh vat tomorrow

This is a continuation of what happened under the PP. Consultancy was ongoing on the Red House years now and also on the President's House. Local architecture firms sourced on the consultancy have been mandated to repair the Red House, update it to modern standards while keeping the historical style of the building. This has been ongoing since at least 2013.

Nope dead wrong this has been going on since Manning was in office.
They started the Red house project and never completed it under Manning
They left the president house to fall down cause Manning has grand ideas of being president under PNM new constitution. The PNM Royal palace (PM house) was supposed to be the new president house, that's why they never wanted to repair it.

[Habit7]

Where zr

No need to summons me bro.

I warned you all before elections.

This is the second time PNM dumping money to fix Red House.

It's a revolving scam and con job.

But again you all votes for that, do pay allyuh vat tomorrow

This is a continuation of what happened under the PP. Consultancy was ongoing on the Red House years now and also on the President's House. Local architecture firms sourced on the consultancy have been mandated to repair the Red House, update it to modern standards while keeping the historical style of the building. This has been ongoing since at least 2013.

Nope dead wrong this has been going on since Manning was in office.
They started the Red house project and never completed it under Manning
They left the president house to fall down cause Manning has grand ideas of being president under PNM new constitution. The PNM Royal palace (PM house) was supposed to be the new president house, that's why they never wanted to repair it.

In 1997 Cabinet approved renovation of the Red House.

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2011/05/ ... waterfront

[SMc]

Oh geeg I posting in political thread....


Anyway every country should where possible try to maintain there historical buildings, whether it red, yellow, brown or green.

Can you imagine what would happen if the UK decided it would make more money/cost less to tear down the Houses of Parliament and replace it with housing, or the US to replace the White House with a private airport...sometimes a city's building help define it at the Red House does that (not by itself) for POS

[Allergic2BunnyEars]

Oh geeg I posting in political thread....


Anyway every country should where possible try to maintain there historical buildings, whether it red, yellow, brown or green.

Can you imagine what would happen if the UK decided it would make more money/cost less to tear down the Houses of Parliament and replace it with housing, or the US to replace the White House with a private airport...sometimes a city's building help define it at the Red House does that (not by itself) for POS

Agreed.

[Allergic2BunnyEars]

Where zr

No need to summons me bro.

I warned you all before elections.

This is the second time PNM dumping money to fix Red House.

It's a revolving scam and con job.

But again you all votes for that, do pay allyuh vat tomorrow

This is a continuation of what happened under the PP. Consultancy was ongoing on the Red House years now and also on the President's House. Local architecture firms sourced on the consultancy have been mandated to repair the Red House, update it to modern standards while keeping the historical style of the building. This has been ongoing since at least 2013.

Nope dead wrong this has been going on since Manning was in office.
They started the Red house project and never completed it under Manning
They left the president house to fall down cause Manning has grand ideas of being president under PNM new constitution. The PNM Royal palace (PM house) was supposed to be the new president house, that's why they never wanted to repair it.

Note I never said it started under the PP. I said it has been ongoing since at least 2013. If PP wanted to stop it they could have, just like the OPV's or other initiatives they felt needed stopping. This however was NOT one of them.

[j.o.e]

Stop talking sense to ZR

[Allergic2BunnyEars]

[RASC]

Oh geeg I posting in political thread....


Anyway every country should where possible try to maintain there historical buildings, whether it red, yellow, brown or green.

Can you imagine what would happen if the UK decided it would make more money/cost less to tear down the Houses of Parliament and replace it with housing, or the US to replace the White House with a private airport...sometimes a city's building help define it at the Red House does that (not by itself) for POS

You're talking to Philistines who rather have our historical pieces destroyed for something more modern. They care not of the history of our land or anyone's for that matter.

They're the kinda people who go Cuba on vacation and asking where the TGIF.

[zoom rader]

Where zr

No need to summons me bro.

I warned you all before elections.

This is the second time PNM dumping money to fix Red House.

It's a revolving scam and con job.

But again you all votes for that, do pay allyuh vat tomorrow

This is a continuation of what happened under the PP. Consultancy was ongoing on the Red House years now and also on the President's House. Local architecture firms sourced on the consultancy have been mandated to repair the Red House, update it to modern standards while keeping the historical style of the building. This has been ongoing since at least 2013.

Nope dead wrong this has been going on since Manning was in office.
They started the Red house project and never completed it under Manning
They left the president house to fall down cause Manning has grand ideas of being president under PNM new constitution. The PNM Royal palace (PM house) was supposed to be the new president house, that's why they never wanted to repair it.

In 1997 Cabinet approved renovation of the Red House.

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2011/05/ ... waterfront

Approved does not mean it was started in 1997.

PNM will always find news ways to milk a bull

[Ronaldo95163]

How much of ollyur back pay fixing stadium and red house?

[teems1]

Oh geeg I posting in political thread....


Anyway every country should where possible try to maintain there historical buildings, whether it red, yellow, brown or green.

Can you imagine what would happen if the UK decided it would make more money/cost less to tear down the Houses of Parliament and replace it with housing, or the US to replace the White House with a private airport...sometimes a city's building help define it at the Red House does that (not by itself) for POS

You're talking to Philistines who rather have our historical pieces destroyed for something more modern. They care not of the history of our land or anyone's for that matter.

They're the kinda people who go Cuba on vacation and asking where the TGIF.

400m in a recession while taxes and food prices are going up.

wow, just wow.

let them eat cake...