Cabinet has approved a new approach for completing the Central Block at the Port of Spain General Hospital.

In a release on Thursday, the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (UDeCOTT) advised that the works will now be divided into seven packages and the tender for the first package for completion superstructure which includes completion of the remaining steel works, shear walls and slab will be issued on April 19.

The other packages, it said, would include builders work and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing work), medical equipment, furniture, ICT equipment, among other works.

Last year, by letter dated November 5, 2021, the main contractor on the project, Chinese firm, Shanghai Construction (Caribbean) Group Limited issued a Notice of Termination of its contract with UDeCOTT.

UDeCOTT noted that the erection of the steel halted shortly afterward in November 2021 as the Termination of the Contract took effect on November 19, 2021.

It said several meetings were held with the Contractor in an attempt to resolve the issues and proceed with the project.

UDeCOTT noted that while these discussions were ongoing, it proceeded with works such as asbestos abatement and demolition of the existing central block and importation of the remaining steel.

It indicated that it has procured 65% of the steel thus far.

However, it said the lockdown in Shanghai has delayed the delivery of the remaining 35% of the steel.

Despite efforts made, UDeCOTT said Shanghai Construction (Caribbean) Group Limited issued a letter on April 8, in which it cited a number of challenges in continuing the Central Block Project such as the continued lockdown in Shanghai, issues in relation to its staff and logistical issues it faced procuring materials.

According to UDeCOTT, the Contractor, in its letter, indicated that it believes it will be better for the Government and UDeCOTT to find another contractor to complete the project.

However, Shanghai Construction (Caribbean) Group Limited said it is willing to support the project.

As such, Cabinet has agreed that works will now be divided into seven packages over the next two years.

UDeCOTT said in its assessment all construction works at the Central Block would be completed and equipment would be installed by March 2024.

It added that commissioning of equipment would be completed by mid-May 2024 to allow for subsequent handover of the project.