Already motorists are reporting that travel time between the two villages has been reduced

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1 NIDCO NIDCOTIMES A quarterly publication of the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited NIDCO Delivers! DECEMBER 2013 IN THIS ISSUE: New Board of Directors...2 News Round-up. 2 Project in Spotlight the SHHE to Point Fortin Project....4 Life at NIDCO...6 Contact Us...8 Opening of the Golconda to Debe Segment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension Project On August 30, 2013, NIDCO delivered a special Independence gift to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago with the opening of the Golconda-to-Debe Interchange the first completed segment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin (SHHE) Project. Amidst the showers of blessings that marked the day, government ministers, Brazilian diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, NIDCO s management and staff, business leaders in the community, residents, contractors, the media and other stakeholders all came together to witness this historic occasion. Prime Minister the Hon. Kamla Water Taxi Charters New Waters Persad-Bissessar cut the ribbon and ceremoniously made the first drive across this pristine stretch of highway. Many of the residents present, some of those whose properties had been acquired for the highway construction, expressed their delight in finally seeing the results of our sacrifices. One young woman commented that she was so proud to be part of living history; a story she could one day share with her grandchildren. Already motorists are reporting that travel time between the two villages has been reduced Plan to spend the day in Chaguaramas... take the Water Taxi, bring the family and be satisfied with some clean, quality enjoyment, take a historical land tour of the Chaguaramas Peninsula conducted by a knowledgeable tour guide on the CDA s tour bus, with tales of the Americans occupation of the Peninsula. Places of interest on these tours include the Tucker Valley area, the Bamboo Cathedral, the Chaguaramas Golf Course, the Macqueripe Bay, the Tracking Station, St Chad s Church and Cemetery among others, or just take part in any number of activities, such as leisurely golf or zip lining for the more adventurous. The Golconda-to-Debe segment of the SHHE Project covers a 4.7km stretch of 4- lane roadway, which links the two towns. It boasts a newly constructed underpass at the Papourie Bridge. Already motorists are reporting that travel time between the two villages has been reduced by at least 25 minutes. Work continues to take place along several segments of the Highway. The next segments that are expected to be opened to the public in 2014 include Debe to Gopee Trace (Penal), Dumfries Road to St. Mary s Junction and from Mon Grant Trace. Desir to Effective October 7th 2013 the Water Taxi Service began a weekday ferry service into Chaguaramas in accord with the agreement signed with the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA). This followed an interim weekend service which was launched on 7 th July 2013, while preparations were being made for the start-up of the weekday service. The weekday schedule offers a 7:30am departure from Port of Spain with a 4:15pm return to San Fernando via Port of Spain, while for the leisure traveller, the Saturday sailings offers one (1) arrival into Chaguaramas at 11.00am and one (1) departure at 4:30pm, all connecting with sailings to and from San Fernando. 1

2 News Round-Up Editorial... NIDCO has had another successful year in managing the infrastructure development and transportation management programmes entrusted to us by the Government. In this issue of the NIDCO Times, we reflect on the achievements we had in 2013 in implementing our work programme. The highlight of this issue is our roads and highways programmes, which has consistently provided just about 85% of our revenue. We also recognise some milestones of the Water Taxi Service and our other projects under Project Briefs. This section also highlights NIDCO s commitment to fulfilling our Corporate Social Responsibility goal of improving the quality of lives in communities impacted by our projects. Through our Community Outreach Programme, several infrastructure projects were completed in 2013 in communities along the alignment of our highway construction projects. In 2013, NIDCO continued to position itself as the Government s partner of choice in establishing a modern infrastructure platform as a foundation for sustained economic and social development. As a result, we place great emphasis on the quality and welfare of our staff, who give life to our mandates. Under NIDCO we present a snapshot of some of the staffrelated activities over the past year. Congratulations to every member of our Board of Directors, our Management team and indeed our dedicated Staff for the successes of 2013! L-R (seated): Mandavi Tiwary, Dr. Carson Charles (President), Krishendath Ramoutar (Chairman), Prof. Winston Suite, Reneelise Khan. (Standing): Hilda Goodial (Corporate Secretary), Ramzan Hosein, Rabindra Outar, David de Souza, Peter Ramadhar, Amrish Maharaj, Hollis Eversley, Vanda Thomas Lynch (Assistant Corporate Secretary) Welcome to Our New Board! NIDCO is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to our Board of Directors: Mr. Amrish Maharaj, a Senior Project Officer; Mr. Peter R. Ramadhar, a Financial Consultant; Mr. Ramzan Hosein, an Accountant; and Mr. David de Souza, IT and Project Management Specialist. The new members bring their diverse perspectives and expertise from their various walks of life and join the existing six (6) members in the task of providing executive leadership to NIDCO. 5 Years, 2 Million Passengers The Water Taxi Service took pride in reaching two million tickets sold on January 3rd The landmark achievement coincided closely with the Service s 5th anniversary on December 29, The Service continues to grow and welcomes new and regular customers every day. Be on the lookout for many fun activities that will take place during 2014 as we celebrate these milestones. Join us in wishing the Water Taxi Service a.... National Spatial Development Plan is Coming NIDCO is collaborating with several Ministries, government agencies and municipal authorities towards establishing a national master plan for physical development. Led by the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Plan will seek to harmonise all national strategies for economic and social development to enable a better quality of life of all Trinbagonians by The Plan, which prioritises Sustainable Infrastructure as a key objective, is currently in draft stage. More to come on this as the Plan evolves... 2

3 NIDCO TIMES Risk Management Takes Root In March 2013 NIDCO undertook a comprehensive risk assessment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin Project to examine the project s vulnerability to construction, environmental and reputational risks. With technical support from Marsh Inc., a USA-based Risk Management consortium, NIDCO developed a risk register and mitigation plan to address the key risk areas of land acquisition, project planning and feasibility, and the political environment. Staff from the departments directly involved in the project delivery process worked alongside the team of consultants, ensuring that NIDCO s capacity to conduct risk assessment on future projects was secured. The risk assessment process lasted four (4) months and plans are now being made to implement an enterprise-wide risk management system in NIDCO Board Tours Project Sites On Friday, March 8, 2013 the newly reconstituted Board of Directors of NIDCO toured this major project to see the progress of the construction works on this segment of the highway, which commenced in April This pre-emptive action of the Board, under the leadership of a new Chairman, Krishendath Ramoutar, was intended to allow the Board to better understand the works that are being carried out and to identify any potential issues that may affect the travelling public and the surrounding communities. Later in the year, on 25 th July, the Board made another site visit. This time to the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension Project, after a tour of the south terminal of the Water Taxi Service. NIDCO Re-launches Website We have re-launched of our website! The upgraded website is part of NIDCO s rebranding strategy, where our online presence is at the centre of our efforts to bring relevant and timely information to the public. With a sleeker more modern look, the use of dynamic content, and updated information on our projects and topical issues, site visitors can expect an improved and informed experience. The site also contains links to our social media platforms enabling real-time contact the general public. To visit our site, please go to or for more information contact communications@nidco.co.tt. 3

4 Project in Spotlight... THE SOLOMON HOCHOY HI A Vehicle for Long-Term Economi The extension of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin is the largest and most complex infrastructural development that has ever been undertaken in Trinidad and Tobago. The project involves the design and construction of a new highway from Golconda to the Dunlop Roundabout in Point Fortin. The Highway is being built to international freeway standards. It comprises 47km of 4-lane dual carriageway and 2.5km of 2-lane roadway and will connect the city of San Fernando and the southern towns of Debe, Penal, Siparia, Fyzabad, La Brea and Point Fortin. The development of the country s transportation infrastructure has remained a priority area of investment by successive governments. It has long been recognised that a modern, safe and interconnected system of highways promotes trade competitiveness and is essential for the efficient movement of commercial goods and people. This Highway is central to government s plans to increase economic activity in the south-western peninsula. Already the project has been fulfilling one major economic benefit that of creating jobs in the local construction sector. Just over 93% of all labour and materials employed on the project have been sourced locally. Businesses in the area have also begun to take PROJECT FACT SHEET Name of Project: Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin (SHHE) Project Model: Design-Build Contract Value: TT$7.5B Employers: National Infrastructure Development Co. Ltd. (NIDCO) Project Manager: Earl Wilson Supervising Consultants: AECOM Main Contractor: Construtora OAS S/A Design Engineers: Halcrow Group Ltd. Project Start Date: March 2011 Planned End Date: March 2015 Design Features: 8 Interchanges 12 cross roads that traverse under the highway 6 cross roads that cross over the highway 8 river bridges Utility corridors advantage of the opening of Golconda to Debe segment by promoting easier and faster access to their services via the new route. The impact of construction activity on residents and on the environmentallysensitive areas within the communities along the Highway has remained a high priority since the commencement of the Project. Some measures taken by NIDCO in 2013 to address community concerns were: Reducing the number of properties to be acquired for construction by optimising the Right-of-Way. Accelerating relocation of residents from the highway alignment, which resulted in some fifty (50) families receiving their lots in the Petit Morne housing development; Ensuring, as far as possible, that family units remain intact during the relocation process by allowing them to select relocation lots in blocks; Enhancing community infrastructure and constructing small drainage to ensure that the communities are prepared to enjoy the full benefits of the highway as work progresses; Working with the Environmental Management Authority on a daily basis to ensure that all requirements under the Certificates of Compliance are being met. This includes ensuring that no more than 1% of the mangrove is removed for the widening of the roadway at Mosquito Creek and 4

5 NIDCO TIMES IGHWAY TO POINT FORTIN: ic Growth and Social Well-Being implementing a future Mangrove drainage structures in the Mon Desir to Rehabilitation Programme. Grants Trace area; and clearing and Currently, the Highway is 24% grubbing and earthworks at the No. 8 completed. Construction activity has Road to Dunlop Roundabout, in preparabeen taking place in several areas, simul- tion for construction of 2 of 5 culverts to taneously, including Golconda and Debe facilitate relocation of Petrotrin pipelines. Interchanges, Tarouba Bridge to Mon For more information on the construcdesir Interchange which includes the tion activities in progress, please visit construction of Berridge Trace and Our Projects on the NIDCO website at Tarouba Bridge; Paria Suites to Godineau River, including piling for foundations at the Godineau Bridge; some clearing and grubbing works in the vicinity of Paria Suites; clearing and grubbing, earthworks and construction of PHASE # 1 SCOPE OF WORKS Design Works Completed Construction Completed 99.05% 42.45% 98.34% 15.35% 59.86% 2.16% 59.86% 0.2% Section 1 - Construction of a 4-Lane Highway approx. 5km from Golconda to Debe; Construction of an underpass at Papourie Road and an Interchange at Debe. Section 2A (NEW) - Widening of the South Trunk Road between Dumfries Road and Paria Suites from 2 lanes to 4 lanes for approx. 3.1km. Section 2B - Widening of the Southern Main Road from Paria Suites to Godineau River, including the reconstruction of the Godineau Bridge 2 North of the Tarouba River Bridge to Mon Desir Interchange, inclusive of Tarouba River Bridge and Mon Desir Interchange; Siparia Interchange and Connector Road; Fyzabad Interchange and Connector Road. La Brea Interchange to Dunlop Roundabout Point Fortin (Inclusive of La Brea Interchange). 3 4 Godineau River to Tarouba Bridge not inclusive of Godineau River Bridge and the Tarouba River Bridge. Penal Interchange and all other segments not previously identified in Phases 1, 2 & 3. La Brea Interchange to Mon Desir Interchange, not inclusive of La Brea Interchange and the Mon Desir Interchange. 5

6 Congratu Life at NIDCO Christmas Cocktails NIDCO s year-end celebration, showing our appreciation to our employees for their dedicated service, was celebrated at the Zen Nightclub on Friday, December 13, Entertainment for the evening and in keeping the Trini-style Christmas was parang by Charlene Flores and her group. Staff showed their dance moves to the vibes of Laventille Rhythm Section and Olatunji Yearwood. to our Long-Serv 2013 was especially important for 19 Water Taxi Service employe of employment. For their long dedicated service, they were tr Staff Tour of the San Fernando to Point Fortin Highway In November, NIDCO s staff members visited the completed and yet to be completed segments of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin Project. The Human Resources Department lead this initiative, which helped to build staff awareness of their role in the organization as they continue to make this project a national reality. 6

7 NIDCO TIMES lations! ing Employees es and 8 employees of NIDCO all of whom celebrated 5 years eated to lunch at the Shanghai Restaurant, Movie Towne. The Human Resource Department facilitated its Employee Well Being Day on Wednesday, August 11th. It included medical services from the North West Regional Health Authority as well as two Outreach sessions by Petrotrin s Employee Assistance Programme. This certainly built employee morale and portrayed NIDCO as a caring employer interested in its employees holistic development and well-being. Employee s Credo The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour. Administrative Professional Week was celebrated the world over on April 22-27, NIDCO recognized all our Executive Assistants and Administrative Assistants at a luncheon at the Shanghai Restaurant, Movietowne. 7

8 Life at NIDCO NIDCO TIMES MOWI Sports Day 2013 Congrats to Marq Pierre, son of Chevannise Parks, Engineering & Programme Management Department, on taking the crown at the National Junior Calypso Monarch 2013! New in the Next Issue Department in Focus: Corporate Services 2. HSSE Corner 3. Staff Talent on Parade NIDCO achievers Is your child a NIDCO Achiever? Send us your stories and pictures of your child s achievements for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! C O N TA C T IN FO R MA TI ON National Infrastructure Development Company Limited Would you like to contribute to the next issue of the NIDCO Times? Send your entries and comments to communications@nidco.co.tt HEAD OFFICE: #3 Melbourne Street Port-of-Spain, Trinidad T: E: communications@nidco.co.tt COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICE: #4 SS Erin Road Debe, Trinidad T: E: communityoutreach@nidco.co.tt Website: 8