Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform Members that later today I will table a document titled GNWT Response to Standing Committee on Government Operations CR 1-16(6): Report on the Review of the Auditor General of the Northwest Territories Deh Cho Bridge Project – 2011.
The standing committee made seven recommendations in this review. I want to assure Members that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is acting on all of them. This is detailed in our written response to the standing committee. In brief, the government has finalized a P3 Policy for alternatively financed projects. The Department of Transportation has addressed inspection and maintenance requirements for the bridge. We will ensure that a qualified authority certifies that the Deh Cho Bridge meets the Canadian Highway Bridge Code in all respects.
The GNWT and advisors on the Deh Cho Bridge have reviewed current best practices for the inspection of long-span truss bridges, as recommended by the standing committee. We have concluded that a catwalk is very expensive to construct with a price tag of $6 million. It requires its own maintenance and rehabilitation, and benefits only the one bridge.
The catwalk also raises security and vandalism concerns. The preferred option is an under bridge inspection truck, which is commonly used in British Columbia and Alberta for inspections and repairs. It is considerably less expensive and can be used on all bridges in the Northwest Territories. It will provide access to all parts of the bridge, including the bearings, lock-up devices, cables and expansion joints.
As I have previously stated, the GNWT has established a highly competent project management team including risk assessors. The team has developed a risk matrix that is updated regularly and reviewed as part of the monthly project meetings. We are satisfied with our efforts to manage risks as we complete this major piece of transportation infrastructure to connect communities.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT will continue to keep Members and the public fully apprised of all aspects of the project. As requested by the standing committee, we will provide a revised construction schedule and the cost of construction when that information is formally available. We expect that the truss work, north and south A-pylons and cables will be installed by the end of the year. Work on the grouting, curbs, bridge rails, and paving on the bridge deck will be completed in the 2012 summer construction season. After the project is completed, the GNWT will do an analysis of the project, including total project costs and lessons learned. This will assist the GNWT with future large infrastructure projects.
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General’s performance review has taken a considerable amount of time and effort to ensure her team had access to all relevant information. I am satisfied with the results. Our focus is now on completing the construction of a high quality, safe bridge that will serve the residents of the Northwest Territories for many decades to come. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Bob McLeod.
