KINGSTON - It is quite unfortunate that an overzealous individual without proper authority approached the media in an unsavory way to try and tarnish the reputation of a contracting company.
The Kaieteur News article titled “ECD four-lane expansion…Contractor executing poor works, awarded another contract” on January 8, 2014 gave readers the impression that during a 28 day period, the concrete used by Colin Talbot Contracting Service was below standard.
However, only five percent of the concrete strength was slightly below the Ministry’s criteria for a short section of the drainage works that were carried out by the contracting company. In fact, out of the 439 metres concrete tested only 25 metres failed the assessment.
It is apt to note that with any laboratory testing - whether concrete or soil - conducted by the Ministry’s laboratory it allows for the contractor to correct any defect noted by the Ministry.
The company has been one of the most dependable and reliable contractors the Ministry has worked with and it is unfortunate that the preliminary findings have been made public before quality control or corrections can be done.
As such, the Ministry cannot ascribe any veracity to the information provided by the “reliable source” of the said article.
