MoW’s Assistant Undersecretary for Sanitary Engineering Khalifa Al Mansoor revealed that the Ministry is presently implementing phase 6 of the sewerage network project in East Riffa, which covers Blocks 909, 905, 903 and 901. 35% completion has been achieved in the project, which commenced in June 2011 and is expected to complete beginning of 2014. ‘The Ministry of Works is the party responsible for the drainage of gutters during implementation of the project. Accordingly, we have contractually agreed with the project contractor that he should drain gutters in the location.

 

We have also agreed upon prices determined by the contractor himself,’ said Al Mansoor. ‘We also collaborated with the concerned Municipal Council to coordinate the drainage process and timings with the contractor. However, the contractor later complained that he was facing some difficulties and financial issues. Despite that, the contractor is contractually obliged to fulfill his obligations towards the project that aims to serve and benefit citizens in the area,’ added Al Mansoor. Al Mansoor also explained that in order for the Ministry to select contractors to implement any project, they should first rehabilitate any establishment willing to work with the Ministry on any project, which is done in coordination with the Tender Board following a certain process.

 

Once this is accomplished, contractors are asked to offer their bids, which are reviewed and supervised by the Tender Board. Such procedures apply to all contractors in all sectors, therefore the Ministry of Works is entitled to hold the contractor responsible for any negligence, withdraw the project and re-tender it. Naturally, this affect citizens negatively as the re-tendering process takes time. The Ministry is coordinating with all concerned parties to tackle the issue. Also, meetings have taken place with Municipal Councils to overcome the problems caused by the contractor, and a number of possible local choices have been presented to the Councils to consider.