IT WAS condemned as being an embarrassment and spiralling out of control. Now, Health has admitted the Alderney hospital contract is likely to be late.
Work is being undertaken by contractor Charles Le Quesne (1956) Ltd - the Jersey counterpart to the company working on the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Both the contractor and Health said a damning letter sent out by project manager Gleeds at the end of March and obtained by the Guernsey Press was now ‘old news’.
Gleeds director Mike Magrath sent it to Le Quesne’s managing director Roger Simmons on 28 March. It said that the contractor was ‘clearly not in control of the completion timescales’.
There had been three different dates given for the project’s completion since January 2006.
‘Unfortunately, not only is the programme failing but quality of works is now of concern as there continues to be inadequate management of the operation on site,’ he said in the letter.
Mr Magrath added that there was no other conclusion but that the project was out of control.
‘There is no active realistic schedule of works for completion on a weekly basis, nor any clear demonstration of how and when materials and equipment will be installed, and as such the project is a serious embarrassment to Charles Le Quesne and the States of Guernsey.’
Mr Magrath said yesterday that the letter was ‘pretty run-of-the-mill stuff’.
‘It’s part and parcel of running a contract. I had a problem with this building contract that needed to be addressed and it has been.’
He added that working in Alderney was always a challenge.
‘It’s swings and roundabouts in running building programmes.’
Treasury minister Lyndon Trott was recently told that the first phase of work at the hospital was significantly behind programme.
‘My board is also aware that the professional team involved with the project have sought assurances regarding some genuine concerns that have arisen over the last few months,’ he said.
‘I am satisfied that at the present time, the professionals involved in running the project on behalf of the States are managing it in accordance with recognised good practice and in strict accordance with the contract in place between the States and the contractor, Charles Le Quesne (1956) Ltd.’
Health said the contractor responded positively to the concerns raised in the letter.
‘After a very good start to the project in 2005, progress slowed down towards the end of 2006 and it became clear earlier this year that improved on-site management was required,’ said minister Peter Roffey.
‘This matter is being addressed by the contractor.’
Deputy Health minister David Grut said on 11 April that the project was delayed and a revised schedule was being prepared, but hoped the project would be on time and on budget.
But Deputy Roffey was not as optimistic.
‘Currently it looks likely that the total project will be finished later than anticipated, but there is every indication that it will still be within budget.’
Mr Simmons said the allegations in the letter were strongly rebutted.
‘The project is now progressing in a satisfactory manner and to an agreed programme of completion.’
Article posted on 20th April, 2007 - 12.00am
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