Costs escalate as delays continue

By Ilia L Likou 20 April 2016, 12:00AM

Delays continue to plague the construction and completion of the Congregational  Christian Church of Samoa’s (C.C.C.S.) Jubilee Church.

The project, which started in 2014, was initially estimated to cost $7m. 

At that time, the building was scheduled to be opened in 2015, last year. 

But that did not happen.

Today, the cost of the project has ballooned to $13million – almost double the original cost.

Project Manager of Shanghai Construction, Mr Jerry Shi has confirmed that they’re still  finalizing the costs of material.

“Shanghai is just a constructor for labor and the installation but not for materials and design…but yes…. we’re working on calculating the cost of materials for the Jubilee Church and the final say will come from the church.” he said.

“This will be done soon,

“The church awarded us for the structural contract and we’ve finished with that and I think the next step is about the roofing and how to finish it off.

Shi said that they were told (by designers) that there are some difficulties at the construction site of the Jubilee Church.

“The building is very tall as is the roof,” he added. “For now, we’ve just finished the first phase and we’ll continue on to the second one.

During the groundbreaking in 2014, Shanghai Construction was awarded the contract for foundation and fill, Fletcher Construction carried out most of the framework, while the exterior was to be installed and maintained by South Pacific Cladding.

In a previous report, the General Secretary of the Reverend Dr. Afereti Uili assured the public that the construction of the $13million tala Jubilee Church at Malua would be completed some time this year.

He dismissed claims that the progress of the project has been stifled by issues of finance. 

And Dr. Uili said the project is continuing.

“We’re awaiting the final costs of materials from the construction company,” he said.

 “These materials include the roofing, ground floor, windows, steps and others… and hopefully we can get this done in the next few days.”

In the meantime, Dr. Uili said construction engineers are working to ensure the building meets all the building requirements and safety standards.

The Samoa Observer understands that work on the project ceased towards the end of last year.

By Ilia L Likou 20 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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