Sep 21 - Government Says Laguna Estate Works Will Be Completed On Schedule

The Government has said works at Laguna Estate are being completed on schedule, adding that the GSD Opposition continue to make statements in the same contradictory vein.

In response to the GSD's statement earlier this week regarding delays in the completion of refurbishment works at Laguna Estate, a spokesman for No 6 said: "The Press Release has no substance and it begs the question of the credibility of the GSD Opposition, which says in one breath that too much money is being spent but that they wish us to spend more on everything. This time they want for us to spend more on works in Laguna, money which is beyond the existing investment in refurbishment works, which in itself is unprecedented.

"The contractors provide progress reports to the Government, and the reports show that Laguna Estate is 70% complete. These progress reports cover all phases of the works schedules. Phase 3, the last phase, is already 40% complete, which also includes blocks that are yet to be worked on (those facing Devil’s Tower Road as mentioned by the GSD). However, Phase 1 is 91% complete and Phase 2 is 81% complete (this particular phase includes the blocks that would be considered to be behind Winston Churchill Avenue as mentioned in the Opposition Press Release).

"The roads within Laguna Estate will be programmed once all phases are complete and heavy machinery and traffic is no longer in the area. These will be the last works and it would be illogical and a false economy to do so before.

"Since January 2016, there have been reports relating to cockroaches which were referred to the Environmental Agency. The number of reports received this year are in fact significantly lower when compared to reports received for the same period last year. The Environmental Agency deals with these complaints in an effective manner and the public is kindly reminded that they may forward their concerns to the Reporting Office on 200 48440 / 200 48441, who will ensure that their report is dealt with expeditiously by the relevant authorities.”

Minister for Housing Samantha Sacramento, said: “We cannot forget that this estate is undergoing major refurbishment works which will result in tremendous improvements for all who live there. While the works are being undertaken there will inevitably have to be a period of inconvenience. Works are scheduled and the final completion date targets are being met. To expedite these deadlines would incur additional costs. The GSD cannot have it both ways; they cannot complain about public expenditure and yet demand that we spend more. It is a shame that the GSD never considered such refurbishment works during the 16 years that they were in office and instead neglected the estates: for them to now complain about works being undertaken is ludicrous and hypocritical."

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