Calvin E Parker (left) is pictured signing a contract to reconstruct the Cooper’s Town Dock in Abaco as the Hon. Neko C. Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport, looks on at right. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Cooper's Town, ABACO – The contract signing for the construction of a concrete dock to replace the wooden dock in Cooper’s Town was received with applauds from residents in this northern community during a ceremony here on Thursday, February 9.

The Bahamas Government executed a $460,100 contract with Calvin E Parker Construction to reconstruct the dock that was damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko C. Grant said the dock utilised by fishermen, pleasure boaters and travellers to the neighbouring Spanish Cay has previously undergone repairs.

“Unfortunately, the dock was again severely damaged last year during Hurricane Irene,” Mr. Grant said. “It has now been determined that there is a need for complete reconstruction of the timber portion of the dock along with extension of the existing concrete abutment.”

Braving the wind, chilly temperature and occasional rain to witness the event, residents gathered under a tent arranged at the site of the dock posed for reconstruction. Also present was the MP for North Eleuthera the Hon. Alvin Smith, permanent secretary Colin Higgs, director John Canton, resident engineer John Schaefer and administrators Theophilus Cox and Cephas Cooper. Local Government representatives and senior Government officials were also in attendance. The Cooper’s Town Primary School provided music for the ceremony.

Students of Cooper’s Town Primary School perform a medley of songs during the contract signing ceremony for the Cooper’s Town Dock in Abaco. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Mr. Grant said the work includes removal of the existing timber dock and piles, replacement of bulkhead with concrete and reinforced composite piles, installation of marine bumper piles and ladders, and replacement of concrete abutment slab.  Construction of a 15 X 15 timber gazebo with benches and shingled roof is also included.

He said five contractors from Abaco were invited to submit tenders during a pre-qualification exercise. They were Abaco Tug and Transport, Calvin Parker Construction, Drill Rig Marine, Sunset Marine and Treasure Cay Coast Marine. Two contractors namely Drill Rig Marine and Sunset Marine did not submit tenders, said Mr. Grant.

A review of the bids revealed that Calvin Parker Construction submitted the lowest qualifying bid.

“It was therefore agreed by the Tenders Board and Cabinet that the contract in the amount of $460,100 should be awarded to Calvin Parker Construction Company,” Mr. Grant said. “It is to be noted that this company has successfully completed many government construction projects in North Abaco in the past.”

The Hon. Neko C. Grant Minister of Public Works and Transport (3rd from left) congratulates Calvin E. Parker (4th from left) on the award of a contract to reconstruct the Cooper’s Town Dock in Abaco. Also pictured is Colin Higgs, permanent secretary (5th from left) and administrator, Cephas Cooper. Local government representatives are also shown. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

The work is expected to begin in three weeks and should be completed in six months. Fifteen persons are to be employed on the project.