AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER
The contract for extension works for the new Beef Island Airport has been awarded to the joint venture of Philipp Holzman of the Republic of Germany and Nord France Enterprises Internationales of France, for the contract sum of fourteen million, one hundred and seventy eight thousand, five hundred and forty dollars and sixty-six cents ($14,178,540.66). The agreement for Phase 1B was signed on Tuesday August 29th, and forms part of the overall airport development project.
With the contract now signed, work on the expansion project is scheduled to commence at the beginning of September and to be completed by the end of November 2001. This phase of the project will provide a 1,000-foot extension of the airport runway, bringing it to a total of 4,600 feet, including improvements and widening of the runway strip to facilitate the safe and economical operation of wider range aircraft. "Today marks yet another significant milestone in the implementation of the development of the Beef Island Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, with the signing of the contract agreement for the upgrading and extension of the airport runway, the largest single contract to be awarded on the project," said Chief Minister and Minister of Finance the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal. He said on completion of the runway extension, he expects additional airlines to be servicing the territory, which will further enhance airlift opportunities into and from the British Virgin Islands.
New taxiway holding areas will be provided at both ends of the runway, thereby increasing the capacity in the number of aircrafts received during peak periods. The provision of a new airfield lighting system will ensure an up-to-date, safe operating environment, which fully complies with international standards for a wide range of regional aircraft. "It is anticipated that these operational benefits will be translated into a greater scope of air services at competitive cost to the people of the BVI and our visitors," the Chief Minister stated. Alluding to the concerns raised in the political arena regarding government's commitment to tourism, Hon' O'Neal, who is also the Minister responsible for tourism, said these fears continue to be alleviated by such projects. "My government has and will continue to commit itself to tourism, for it drives our Gross Domestic Product, thus the economic forces and empowerment of my people are satisfied." The territory's leader said the 2001 tourist season will be graced with the benefits of the runway facility and he looks forward with anticipation to witnessing the increased economic expansion within our territory, as well as the benefits directly and indirectly to our public and private sectors and industries.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Caribbean Development Bank, which is providing the loan funding for this portion of the project. He also acknowledged the continued efforts of the Airport Development Committee, the Airport Engineer and staff, the Chief Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the many other government Ministries and Departments, who ensure that this project remains on track and within budget, to deliver the new airport by the end of next year. "We expect the Philipp Holzman and Nord France Enterprises joint venture to bring their considerable expertise to this contract and to ensure that the works are not only conducted in a timely manner, but of the highest operational standards, safeguarding the ecological environment on which the prosperity of these islands depend, Hon. O'Neal declared. "So, Mr. (Stuart) Logan (Airport Development Engineer) and his staff, you have to watch them and monitor this project with great care." He said the contractor has confirmed that he will make use of local resources to the greatest extent possible. This point, the Chief Minister reiterated. "Nord France Enterprises already know that the Honourable Minister of Labour...is already watching this project...and I want to let the contractors know that we have local resources available - our people, we have stones, we have barges, we have heavy equipment and any attempt made to forget them will be dealt with. I can assure you!" Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works the Honourable J. Alvin Christopher joined in congratulating the company for their successful tender. "This contract brings to end the three major components of this project, even though there are other contracts that would be associated with this project," he noted. He said he is looking forward to seeing this project and others stay within the range, the cost factor and the time that was awarded under the contract for successful completion of this project.
Mr. Hans Dieter Imhof is the Managing Director of Philipp Holzman AG/Nord France Enterprises Internationales S.A. Joint Venture. He said this marks a first for his company in its 150-year existence, as they have never executed any job in the Caribbean. "Stating this, I have however to admit that some of our subsidiaries and affiliate companies have a long tradition of working in Caribbean islands, as well as in Latin America and in the United States of America.
The fact that the BVI airport expansion is Philipp Holzman's first contract in the Caribbean did not cause any particular concern for the government in the selection process. "What we were concerned about is their experience in airport building," according to Chief Minister O'Neal. Mr. Imhof said it would be a dream working in a place where a lot of people spend their vacations, but he noted that working in a holiday environment would put an even greater strain on the shoulders of their personnel, as they must strictly ensure that the execution of the works is done on time, to the highest quality standard possible, in line with the environmental requirements and within budget. He said they understand that this project puts a heavy burden on the territory's budget. "At the same time, please be assured that it is our firm intention...to maximize the use of all local available resources, those in the field of sub-contracting, as well as human resource, materials and equipment needed for the project." He said with the exception of about five experts from Europe, they expect all of the manpower to be provided locally. Mr. Imhof said, being from one of the most environmental countries in Western Europe, he is pleased to confirm that the protection of the ecological environment at the site will be one of their ultimate goals. He said each of their employees has signed to a compliance programme to implement environmental protection measures to the best of their ability.
"We wish to thank you for your trust in our ability and to execute this contract in the most perfect manner; at the same, be ensured that we will cooperate with all the relevant governmental institutions as well as representatives of the engineers...in such a way that we are prepared to overcome any eventually upcoming problem proactively, to the best of the project," the company representative pledged. Communications and Works Minister Hon. Christopher provided an update on the Beef Island Airport Expansion Project to date. He said as far as he knows, the earth works project contract is ahead of schedule. "There is some delay on the terminal side, but we believe all this time can be regained and the project can be completed on time or with very little delay."