X-ray unit still idle on Front St

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17: Delays continue to plague the X-ray scanner project at Hamilton Docks.

The Department of Customs had hoped the scanner and the new docks entrance at the junction of Court Street and Front Street would be operational by the beginning of last week.

But the Bermuda Sun understands that the control room, the inspection area and the screening hall are still waiting to receive occupancy certificates that allow the buildings to be manned.

The certificates have to be applied for by the government’s Office of Procurement and granted by the Planning Department.

OBA Deputy Leader, Michael Dunkley, branded the continuing delays ‘inexcusable’.

He said: “All the guidelines on time have fallen woefully behind.

“It is inexcusable that this very important project has seemed to wallow and miss all the deadlines.

“I have spoken on this issue many times and my questions have never really been answered.

Little feedback

“Surely the processes needed to get it off the ground should have been well thought through in advance. It is very concerning that the scanner is still not in operation especially in these economic times.

“Furthermore there has been very little feedback to the people on the docks as to when this project will get off the ground.

“There are still a lot of questions about this project that have not been answered.”

The X-ray scanner was successfully tested last month and radiation levels were found to be well within the guidelines.

A government spokesperson said that scanning would begin later this month.

The spokesperson added: “The X-Ray Scanner Project is a high priority of the Government.

“The Project is currently going through the final testing phases and scanning will commence later this month.”