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Gov't building new underground parking @ RT O'Neal Admin Complex - Hon Rymer

- said tenders to go out shortly for a number of projects
Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) has announced a new ambition underground parking facility at the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Rymer said tenders will also go out for the construction of a new elevator shaft and other auxiliary items on the west atrium of the complex all aimed at creating new construction jobs. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Rymer said tenders will also go out for the construction of a new elevator shaft and other auxiliary items on the west atrium of the complex all aimed at creating new construction jobs. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - In keeping with statements from Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), that Government plans to boosts the local construction industry with the creation of work, Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) has announced an underground parking facility and other construction works at Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex.

Speaking at the contract signing for procurement and installation works at Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, Hon Rymer said one of those projects will be an ambitious underground parking facility at the complex. 

Tender information to come - Hon Rymer 

"In short order, we will be issuing a tender document for the design and build, construction of a new underground parking area on the west atrium," Hon Rymer said.

He said tenders will also go out for the construction of a new elevator shaft and other auxiliary items on the west atrium of the complex, all aimed at creating new construction jobs. 

Hon Rymer added that several small contracts for the demolition of various office spaces and rooms at the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex will also be issued. 

Boosting the local construction industry 

According to Hon Rymer, his ministry will also ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and within the stipulated budget. 

"This aligns directly with the statement made by the Hon Premier on the 9th of August 2020, about the economic boost for the construction industry by creating work for this industry to benefit the entire economy." 

Hon Rymer said the hope is that local contractors can benefit from the project and provide their own contribution to the 'signature landmark building'.

36 Responses to “Gov't building new underground parking @ RT O'Neal Admin Complex - Hon Rymer”

  • questions (12/08/2020, 18:24) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply

    When? Where are the funds to build coming from? Another consultancy contract first?
  • Engineer (12/08/2020, 19:55) Like (68) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a disaster this is going to be. Typically underground parking costs are 25% to 50% more than multistory above ground. This coupled with being below sea level / water table, on reclaimed land, is going to make it very difficult to stop water ingress. Whoever came up with this idea, needs to go back to school.
    • Learning Fast (12/08/2020, 21:23) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Engineer, the same thing is going through my mind when I read the article. This building will be undermined terribly. Go right ahead 'wise men.' don't forget that we are positioned near an earthquake belt.

      Barry say you will hear.
      • Reclaim land (13/08/2020, 10:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Go ahead and dig. tis water ayo might find. sand and bolders. Just watch
    • A money spinner (12/08/2020, 21:27) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      It’s like the roads; if it doesn’t work connected companies can be paid to fix it badly every 6 months or so. Every one’s a winner except the tax payers.
    • Lucy (13/08/2020, 09:42) Like (1) Dislike (12) Reply
      Excuse me???? where have you guys been living all along? Have you heard of the under water link between the UK and France? Have you heard of the under river highway in the United States?. You all just run your uneducated mouths like a bunch of ..... I am not an engineer and even I know that building a safe underground parking lot on Wickhams Cay is possible.
      • Lucifer (13/08/2020, 10:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        You may want to have a look at how much the channel tunnel ended up going over budget. It was a highly complex project even using some of the best developers and construction companies. To compare that to what is being proposed here is a nonsense. Even with a car park being a lot more simple, the government are incapable of even the simple projects of maintaining the roads we have. The idea of them building anything underground which will be safe and fir for purpose is terrifying. Money would be better spent clearing up the damage from Irma which is still present 3 years later. How many more years are they going to let derelict boats continue to pollute our beautiful bays and waters?
      • Boater Bob (13/08/2020, 11:34) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        I would like the contract for the pumps it will take to keep it form floating out of the ground.
      • resident (13/08/2020, 13:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        But is it a priority when so much else needs fixing including schools, the incinerator I think and the sewerage system in East End?
  • tretretrete (12/08/2020, 20:26) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm so not impressed with the underground parking idea
  • Education (12/08/2020, 20:44) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHEN WILL THE HIGH SCHOOL BE BUILT..PLANTING PALM TREES, BUILDING PARKING LOTS...I
    MEAN COME ON MAN. EDUCATION IS NOT A GAME OR POLYTRIX
  • Issa no (12/08/2020, 21:17) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
    I will NOT be going under there with ahyo MS!
    • Good laff (12/08/2020, 23:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Man your post mek me buss. I ain't laugh so hard all day. Good one
  • annudda2cents (12/08/2020, 21:18) Like (54) Dislike (3) Reply
    i too do not believe that underground parking is a good idea. Its okay as is...for drop off/pick up. but for undergroun parking? nah. let's be realistic. besides boosting activity for construction workers to stimulate the economy, can anyone please tell me what are the tangible benefits of this? it's only so much vehicles can fit down there. is this privileged parking for Government Ministers? What gives? Personally, I believe a much more plausible approach that will not only boost the economy, but will serve a meaningful purpose, would be to expand the administration building. we all know that an additional floor is out of the picture because of weight and balance concerns. we can also argue that building a second Administration Building at the front will not only take up much needed parking space for public officers, but also, take away from the aesthetics of the buildings exterior when looking at it from a distance on the land-side. so here's my suggestion. hear me out. extend by at least 40 feet wide, each of the 4 ends of the building, all the way up from the building's ground, to the building's ceiling (encompassing the full 3 storey on each of the 4 corners), and i'm pretty sure 12 newly created spaces (3 storeys, by 4 corners) of 40ft wide by 60ft wide, could accommodate at least 12 departments. the building is expanded, whilst retaining the X-shape, without affecting the aesthetics. just my dumb self pitching another idea hoping it gains traction.
  • flooding (12/08/2020, 21:45) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    i agree. this will be a flood waitingbto happen and so much more expensive.
    better to build 2 lwvels above ground and put offices on top...save on all the rent goventment pays out.

    right now money better to be spent elswwhere around the place. seems like only construction companies winning here. not sure how they going to work when you see 80% of the labour force are workpermited from down island.

    sit back and watch
  • Oohhh. Boiii (12/08/2020, 21:56) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the DUMBEST IDEA they have come up with so . For years they couldn’t keep the
    Water out of the cultural center AND that is up the road Now you telling us you putting a parking lot under the sea ( Wickhams Cay ) is reclaimed
    PLEASE. NOOOOO. DO NOT WASTE $$$$ and endanger people’s lives unnecessarily
  • dumb and dumber (12/08/2020, 22:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ever watched this movie? Live now in BVI. Belongers only.
  • not so fast (12/08/2020, 22:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    TO MY KNOWLEDGE, A PROPOSED LAW BLOCK AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WERE A PROPOSED PROJECT FOR THIS AREA? THESE BUILDINGS SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED AND CONSTRUCTED INSTEAD OF AN UNDERGROUND PARKING ON RECLAIMED LAND.
  • Distratrction (13/08/2020, 01:44) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    This a distraction from the real issue. We all kno that aint going happen. 1/ Govt dont have money, there is no revenue, 2/ they using the stimulus money from social security to pay salaries , thats why all payouts on hold, they have no plans, to push the country forward.. the best they can do is oppressed xpats because thats popular with most locals. And blame covid for their failures and evil intent....
  • resident (13/08/2020, 04:46) Like (53) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just a quick question. Where are the increments that the premier promised when he got into office? Was he just fooling us and now that he has settled that is not his problem. At least one more increment would be good. I guess it's next election again. He is finding money for everything else. God sees and knows the heart of man. Be a man of your word. That's one mark of a good man and a good leader.
  • ? (13/08/2020, 08:26) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    the foolish man builted his house on sand more important things to do wihat about the damn school ?that's how you going to wasted my money may God help you .
    • Thanks (13/08/2020, 10:14) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      the wisest comment I've read. Let them go ahead and crash the country. When the building sink I not going be down there with them. Schools, post office, public library. what about the things that help to build the young minds. But nah, if it aint about concrete, steel and engineers, BVI ain't achieve anything. Only contractors have to eat. Let them run themselves into destruction. Back in the day, places like Trinidad, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and other islands that this place turn their nose on were prosperous jurisdictions. But it was all about foolish political moves that drove them into poverty. the gravy train just running wild
  • Beezebub (13/08/2020, 09:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    So when they say that another lockdown will wipe out the money for the 'economic reboot' what they actually mean is they have wasted the money allocating it on a completely unnecessary underground car park. Surely this money would be better spent towards improving and expanding the airport which would offer a genuine economic boost to the territory.
  • James Bond (13/08/2020, 10:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'll park my submarine car there anytime. I'll just drive it out and up to the surface with my remote control and get inside at sea level. No problem!
  • concerned citizen (13/08/2020, 10:10) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Build the next wing and let H. Lavity Stoutt descendants be happy of his completed vision. That's what you all need to do VIP. Stop paying all these outrageous rent.
  • The Watcher (13/08/2020, 10:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Premier getting a submarine?
  • tretretrete (13/08/2020, 11:27) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why not build a structure in Road Town that is used strictly for parking? In other jurisdictions there are buildings designated just for parking. I see that being beneficial to the people than having underground parking that's probably only gonna be used for government officials.
  • hey (13/08/2020, 13:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow what happens when a next irma comes. In there gonna be flood out. Where the funds coming from? how come they still paying rent on the government complex land? isnt the area all reclaimed land anyways, how this gnna work?
  • sunnyday (13/08/2020, 13:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Help me to understand, REAL ISSUES affecting the country, sewage, (Pier Park tourism), closed border, business closures, unemployment(7600+) and this is the best elected officials can come up with. UNDER GROUND PARKING! Officials you have to stop playing magician the writing is on the wall and the people who put you in position are watching. Eventually you will pull and no RABBIT will be in the hat.
  • well saw (13/08/2020, 17:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    How is that possible with reclaim land and a water table of 10ft smh. Blind leading the blind.
  • GG (13/08/2020, 17:58) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would not encourage ANYONE to go for this contract as 1. Government takes FOREVER TO PAY
    2. This building is on reclaimed land where will the cars and suvs park with Finding Nemo or Orca?
    You better know what you are getting into with this school children say UP to now d poor security for quarantine ain’t see money...... Shame.... yet we are there for the young people.... To take advantage of them ya mean
  • Big Slick Willie (13/08/2020, 23:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey. Let me know if you all need a Safety Manager.
  • Rubber Duck (14/08/2020, 14:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ridiculous. Reclaiming land for parking would be cheaper and safer.
  • sunnyday (15/08/2020, 08:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honourable Kye M. Rymer, up to this point i had confidence in you with the projects you have put forward. However it now seem that your EGO is starting to come on remember if you associate with thief's eventually you will come one. Use your judgement the PARKING GARAGE is not a idea. Listen to the people they are the one that put you were you are.


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