Contractors urged to implement CLSG project on time

The timely implementation of the CLSG interconnection project remains a top priority for the Management of TRANSCO CLSG. Meanwhile, following the two-day high-level Semi-Annual Coordination Meeting with EPC Contractors held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, the Management of TRANSCO CLSG and the contractors reaffirmed strong commitment to commission the CLSG project across Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea come December 2019.

In closing remarks, the General Manager of TRANSCO CLSG, Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif challenged all EPC contractors to expedite construction works to ensure compliance. He emphasized that the commissioning of the CLSG project has been set for December 2019 and urged contractors that are behind schedule to commit to expedite works to meet the contractual deadlines. No delays to be accepted, he urged.

The bi-annual meeting afforded TRANSCO CLSG and its EPC contractors an opportunity to discuss the progress of their respective contracts, share the challenges encountered in order to find efficient solutions, and discuss all coordination issues between components and/or other projects. The status of the progress of the key activities including the Engineering, Manufacturing & Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), Transportation, Construction and Technical issues top the agenda.

Other points discussed at the meeting financial issues – invoicing and billing procedures, disbursement planning; risks mitigation strategies; and coordination needs between components and/or other projects; and next steps.

The General Manager called on the contractors to make all necessary efforts to speed up the construction works, especially as the rainy season is about to set in few months. Mr. Sherif also informed the meeting about the organizational improvements made in the Owner’s Engineer team, and informed the contractors that the OE will be more present on sites and efficient to expedite review and approval of documents.

The General Manager admonished contractors to remain in the contractual costs, adding that no cost deviation will be accepted. “We are here to solve the problems and move the project faster to ensure timely implementation,” Mr. Sherif said.

He used the meeting remind the EPC contractors to fully abide by the CLSG Countries laws and statutory holidays to avoid issues with local governments. “We also encourage all our contractors to use more local laborers on the project,” Mr. Sherif urged.

Meanwhile, all the EPC contractors including JV ELECNOR/EIFFAGE, NCC, JV SIEYUAN-NEIE, JV ANGELIQUE/TATA, NR ELECTRIC, KEC, KALPATARU and BOUYGUES E&S, reassured the Management of TRANSCO CLSG of their fullest commitment to making sure the CLSG project is delivered on schedule.

The coordination meeting was attended by the Owner’s Engineer, TRACTEBEL. Other senior level executives of TRANSCO CLSG including the Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Josephus Jigba Yilla and Director of Project Implementation Unit, Mr. Ettienne Bailly also attended.

The General Manager and participants congratulated Angelique – TATA for hosting the meeting and TRANSCO CLSG country office for their support. He also expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government and People of Guinea for their support to the CLSG Project.