By Vivian Tyson, Senior SUN Editor
• Mon, Jan 07, 2013
The SUN has learnt that Dolmen Import and Export Ltd, the construction company which carried out construction of the Our Lady of Devine Providence Roman Catholic Church in Providenciales may be awarded the contract to undertake the second phase of the Providenciales International Airport expansion.
However, Government is saying that no official award has made, and that it is unlikely that one would be made before the New Year.
Dolmen Import and Export Limited is a joint venture between a Turks and Caicos Islander and a company from the Dominican Republic.
Tender for the project went out about two months ago. A preliminary bidding was held and the number was weeded down to four – Jaca TCI, Dolmen, Turquoise Construction and North Star Ltd. The preliminary process looked at, among other things, the bidder’s capacity and the ability to successfully carry out the job. It is understood that from the four, Dolmen was the lowest competing bidder.
When contacted, a source at Dolmen told The SUN that, while the award was not official, they have reason to believe that they have the recipient.
When contacted, the Airports Authority confirmed that the process had run its course, but declined to state whether or not a preferred bidder was chosen, rather, referring us to the relevant minister of government for a comment.
When contacted, Premier for the Turks and Caicos Islands Dr. Rufus Ewing noted: “No official awarding of tender was made. They went through the tender process but no official award was made. There are few things that need to come to the House. And more than likely an award may not be granted before the New Year.”
Airports Authority said at the launch of phase two back in the summer that the terminal expansion project would not only offer better facilities for passengers, also but provide it with the room to expand over the next 15 years.
The second phase is a US$10m redevelopment of passenger facilities there. The announcement for the commencement of that segment of work was made on Tuesday, 31 July this year. It will include the expansion of existing terminal building and the construction of a larger car park.
On completion, according to the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, passengers will be able to enjoy expanded check in counter areas and self check in facilities, additional bathroom facilities, larger retail space for shops and restaurants, and improved medical amenities.
The entity disclosed that, the expansion will nearly double the size of the terminal to better accommodate the 500,000 passengers who pass through the airport each year, since the expansion in capacity will increase from 51,462 to 92,321 sq ft.
The second phase of work will be done in three phases. The first will include the construction of a new traffic circulation system, an extension to the existing west car park, and extension of the departure Lounge.The second phase will continue with the extension on the international check in area, security check point as well as the arrivals hall.
The third and final phase will include the domestic departures and arrivals area, completion of car park and aesthetics, including water features.