Air Access Update
Project Management Unit
You may remember that in the earlier stages of the planning of the management structures for the airport project, we advised that a Project Management Unit (PMU) will be set up on island.
The PMU is a dedicated unit that will provide the day-to-day technical expertise to enable us to monitor and certify acceptance of the contractor works throughout the project. You might recall that DFID awarded Halcrow the PMU contract earlier this year. They will be expected to provide on the ground management during the construction of the airport and also, the coordination of the establishment of air services. The PMU will work closely with the Access Office to ensure the timely completion of the overall project.
To make an initial start with the set up, Miles Leask, Deputy Manager of the PMU will be arriving from Cape Town on the 14th September. Miles will be followed by the PMU Manager, Andreas Huber who is due to arrive in November. Details of the other members of the Unit will be advised as they become known.
Miles will carry out his work initially from the Access Office in the Castle but is then expected to move to temporary office accommodation at Jamestown 1st School.
Archaeological Works in Ruperts
The archaeological works in Rupert’s Valley are now coming to an end. The archaeologists have carried out a thorough evaluation and although it is possible that individual graves could be uncovered during later airport project works, they believe there are no further concentrations of burials left in the valley. We are now confident that any delays to the airport contractor as a result of discovering human remains along the alignment of the haul road will be minimal.
In line with the airport project’s environmental mitigation, the next phase of the archaeological works will be the post excavation analysis. Once this is completed, the human remains removed from the Rupert’s site will be respectfully re-interred at an appropriately selected burial ground. If anyone would like to raise any queries about this work, please feel free to contact me on 2477.
Office of Government Commerce (OGC) – Gateway Review
Early in August, the Access Project was subjected to an OGC Gateway Review 3 which examined the Investment decision for the airport. These reviews are normal procedure for high value projects funded by HMG. The Access project has had several OGC reviews as it has progressed to its current stage, each helping to ensure that we are doing all the rights things in preparing the project.
Gateway Reviews give a “peer review” in which a team of independent, experienced and reputable practitioners examines all of the workings of the project to date. This includes an examination of all key documents plus individual interviews with key people involved in the project. Their job is to ensure there is good and effective management and control and to assess the progress and likelihood of successful delivery of project. The results of the OGC Reviews are taken very seriously by senior management and Ministers and, if the team consider that the project is not being adequately managed, its views are powerful enough to stop a project.
We are happy to report that the review was a success and the OGC Team commented that overall, the project had been well managed by a small but enthusiastic project team which has successfully maintained the interest of two credible bidders even though the process has been lengthy and the market conditions unfavorable.
Contractor Phase II Bids
As advised previously, the revised bids for the Operations Phase (Phase II) of the airport project is expected from Basil Read and Impregilo on the 12th September 2008. Once received, these bids will be evaluated and a preferred bidder will be selected. We will keep you informed of progress.
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Posted on 3 September 2008
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