Debates of June 2, 2006 (day 4)
Member’s Statement On Over-Expenditures And Delays To Capital Projects
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every year in the NWT, the government undertakes capital projects. These projects can range from construction of new schools, student residences and major renovations, to existing buildings. Mr. Speaker, I am becoming alarmed at the number of projects that go over budget, and in some cases are not awarded at all. Some of the projects, Mr. Speaker, have to be re-tendered with changes made to the design and to keep within budget.
A good example of these high costs, Mr. Speaker, would be the Deh Cho Bridge. The first figure I heard was $25 million. Then I heard another figure come in at $40 million. Then I heard $60 million. The last I heard was $140 million. The price of steel is not getting any cheaper.
Another good example would be the student residence in Inuvik that was recently delayed because the tenders came out over budget. We could be in danger of losing our building season if we have to put it off for another year. That begged me to ask, Mr. Speaker, if we are over-designing our buildings. I believe you can design a building that can be functional and attractive at the same time. Mr. Speaker, I believe we need to get a grip on the number of projects that continue to go over budget and be delayed, because we continue to lose our building seasons and people have to wait to get into new buildings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause