By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
The Ministry of Public Works has terminated a $631 million contract awarded for the widening of Princess Street, citing persistent failure by the contractor to meet contractual obligations and complete the scope of works.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed the decision while providing an update on the long-delayed project, which was intended to ease traffic congestion and improve drainage along the busy Georgetown corridor.
The Princess Street widening initiative was designed to complement traffic flow from Cemetery Road, which now accommodates four lanes, allowing for smoother westward movement into the city. According to the Minister, the project included expanded roadway width and improved drainage infrastructure to support increased traffic volumes.
However, Edghill revealed that the contractor responsible for a critical section of the project failed to execute the required works despite repeated opportunities to do so.
“The contractor has failed to execute its contractual obligations and has left the area in a mess, creating inconvenience for residents and other road users,” the Minister stated.
The project was divided into two contracts covering the stretch from Cemetery Road heading west. Due to the contractor’s underperformance, the Ministry has officially terminated the agreement and reassigned responsibility for completion to its Special Projects Unit.
With the contract now severed, the Ministry has begun clearing the affected areas to restore access for residents and road users who were impacted by stalled works and unsafe conditions.
The termination comes amid growing public calls for greater accountability from contractors engaged on state-funded infrastructure projects. In response, the Ministry of Public Works has introduced dedicated hotline numbers, allowing citizens to report instances of contractor underperformance directly to the Ministry.
Officials say the government remains committed to completing the Princess Street widening project and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently to deliver safe, functional infrastructure.
