The farmers of Paraquita Bay are one step closer to getting a reservoir to help address their water challenges, leaders said.
On May 13, government officials signed a $224,639 deal for the engineering design and construction management of the project’s water mains and civil works, according to the Recovery and Development Agency.
The contract was awarded to Alvair Limited — a firm with registered offices in Houston, Texas; Trinidad; Guyana; and Jamaica — following a procurement process that used the quality-and-cost-based selection method, the RDA stated.
The deal covers a 30-month consultancy that makes up the second major activity in the design stage of the broader reservoir project, according to the agency.
The overall project involves the design, procurement and installation of a water reservoir, water mains, and associated civil works intended to support farmers in Paraquita Bay.
The design phase is now in progress, according to the RDA, which did not provide an estimate of the overall cost of the full project.
Funding
The initiative is being funded by the government, with the Premier’s Office as the ministry partner and the RDA as the lead implementing agency.
“One of the most persistent challenges for our farmers has been access to an adequate and reliable water supply,” Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during the ceremony. “This issue has been discussed for years, but we are now taking decisive steps toward resolving it. This reservoir project will allow farmers to irrigate their crops more effectively, care for livestock, reduce losses, and increase production.”
He added that the project will also boost the territory’s food security.
“Agriculture, like tourism and financial services, supports livelihoods and sustains our economy,” he said. “That’s why this project — and others like the agricultural and fisheries complex and upcoming grant programmes — are vital investments in our future.”
Consultant’s role
RDA CEO Anthony McMaster stressed the importance of the project in supporting the local economy and food systems.
“This consultancy includes the validation of the proposed reservoir size and the detailed design of the water mains required to transport water to the Paraquita Bay farmlands, along with all associated civil works,” he said. “In addition to the design, the consultant will be responsible for managing the implementation of the pipelines and related construction activities, ensuring that all works are executed in accordance with the approved design specifications and requirements.”
Mr. McMaster thanked the premier for allocating funding and recognised the role of former agriculture and fisheries junior minister Karl Dawson in advocating for the project.
“This contract is just one of several to be signed in the coming months as the RDA injects millions into the local economy through critical infrastructure projects,” the CEO said. “We are not only focused on sustainable development but also on inclusive participation.”
Mr. McMaster urged VI contractors, designers and suppliers to monitor upcoming opportunities via the RDA’s website and digital platforms.
For more information, go to bvirecovery.vg or follow the RDA on its social media platforms.
