POINTE XPRESS- AECON Construction, a Canadian company, has secured the contract to carry out significant upgrades to the runway and parking apron at VC Bird International Airport. Wendy Williams, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), confirmed that the decision was made in the past week, though actual work at the airport won’t commence immediately.
“We first need to negotiate a contract with the firm before moving into mobilization, with construction expected to begin by the end of June,” Williams explained.
She outlined that the work will involve resurfacing certain sections of the runway, with more extensive rebuilding required in areas showing significant wear and tear. In addition to the resurfacing, the project will address various deficiencies highlighted in an aeronautics report, which is set to be completed before construction begins in mid-to-late June.
The Canadian firm submitted a bid of US$47 million for the project, which includes work on the runway, taxiways, and apron, as well as improvements to Runway #10 and the FBO facility that services private jets. Williams mentioned that improvements to the parking and taxi areas for these aircraft have already begun, with concrete slabs being added as part of the overall infrastructure enhancements approved by the Cabinet.
The government has secured a loan for the major upgrades to VC Bird International Airport, with a portion of these funds also earmarked for the extension of the runway at the new Barbuda International Airport. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed a desire for the runway extensions to progress simultaneously with the upgrades to VC Bird International.
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You mean there were no firms available locally to do the work? We had to go all the way to CANADA? OKKKKKKKKKKK
One can only wait and see with some hope thrown in. You talk about sourcing local talent from maybe Trinidad , but you forgetting what the Trinidadians did to our roads. St the same time, I think it was the Canadians who built our new airport from the old Coolidge
Jah…It’s disappointing to hear or even read about the runway and parking apron upgrades at VC Bird International Airport being awarded to AECON Construction. So Why go with a Canadian firm when there are plenty of local companies that could have done the job? Even in the region like DA or Trinidad…It feels like a missed opportunity to support our own economy and workforce. Plus, I hope they can actually deliver on their promises—so many projects run into delays and budget overruns; it’s hard to be optimistic.
Awarding this contract to a foreign firm undermines local businesses and leaves local contractors out of key development opportunities
It’s disheartening to see that millions are being spent on foreign contractors instead of investing in the capabilities of our own citizens.
This project’s funding should prioritize the needs of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizens rather than subsidizing a Canadian company
Why are we borrowing funds for a project that could have been better handled by local firms, keeping the money circulating within our own economy?
AECON’s bid of US$47 million is far too high for work that could be done locally, leaving taxpayers with an excessive bill
The timeline for construction is far too long, and with months of delays before any real work begins, this project will likely face more setbacks.
The emphasis on private jet services over improving facilities for regular travelers shows a troubling prioritization of the elite.
How can the government justify funding improvements for luxury services when so many citizens still lack basic infrastructure?
It would be a good things to have local or maybe regional contracts participation on this project however we have to be honest. I am not sure our local Antiguan company has the necessary experience and or experience to undertake this type of works.
Again..this Government doesn’t give a crap about y’all. They could have easily gotten a local company, and get a foreign project managers team if that’s the case. At least you would keep most the money in Antigua and put a smile on a whole lot of people faces in Antigua..smdh. but no, we continue to disrespect our workers, but still in the same breath talk about how much we need to develop more local talents..
I just have to laugh at the two facetedredness and snake mentality of this Administration.
The hypocrisy is just annoying at this point.
But hey, this is what y’all voted for.. Antiguan’s love crooks..so there you have it.
The priority being “travellers” Vs BASIC infrastructure and services for us living here 365 days a year IS more than troubling
So they “secured a contract” but they have to still “negotiate a contract” in order to proceed?????……confused
Who all have shares in the company?
When you give it to a local company they drag shit to much and the country don’t have time for that.
Local companies need to start working to complete projects instead working to drag projects.
why is VC Bird airport the only airport without water fountain and customers have to pay $ 8 usd for bottle water you need to do better VC BIRD AIRPORT
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