BETTER advice is needed for capital-spending projects.

Deputy Dave Jones said some people within Guernsey Technical Services should be considering their position after works in St Sampson’s Harbour cost 50% more than was budgeted. ‘The report identified that the advice given by Guernsey Technical Services was at best weak and

at worst wholly inaccurate,’ he

said.

The former Advisory and Finance estates subcommittee commissioned an independent audit report after work to build a new sewage-pumping station and fire-main extension exceeded the £2m. budget – which included £300,000 for contingencies – by more than £850,000.

‘As one of the deputies who was heavily involved in the criticism of the contract in its early stages, with the way it was managed and carried out, I can only say to the taxpayers that I told them so,’ said Deputy Jones.

He said overspends had been prevalent on States contracts. Shortcomings with the handling of the St Sampson’s Harbour project had cost taxpayers dearly, he said, and steps should be taken to avoid repeats.

‘There were serious failings, not only at political level but within Guernsey Technical Services in its supervision of the contract – a fact that was pointed out to both parties by me at the time,’ said Deputy Jones.

‘Just as the political head of the [then] Public Thoroughfares Committee [Peter Bougourd] lost his job at the last election, others in departments responsible for yet another huge overspend on a public contract should be reviewing their position.’

Guernsey Technical Services is now part of the Public Services Department.

Public Services minister Bill Bell said it appeared that Deputy Jones had not read the audit report properly.

‘The primary reason for the overspend was that the contract was awarded to the wrong contractors,’ he said.

‘The criticism that Deputy Jones has made about various departments and individuals is not supported in the report.

‘I would rather rely on the professionals’ report than on wild accusations.’