March 1, 2011 - Minister of Transportation Michael McLeod says the issues raised in a mid-project performance audit report of the Deh Cho Bridge project, released today by the Auditor General of Canada, have been previously identified and dealt with by the world class team brought in to manage the project.
The Auditor General’s report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly today, and identified partnership risks in Phase 1 of the project that led to project delays and cost increases. The Auditor General also expressed concerns about some risk management measures, noting that risks related to the project’s schedule, cost, and scope remain.
“Our team takes the need to appropriately manage project risks seriously, and all appropriate steps have been taken to mitigate identified risks,” Minister McLeod noted. “Our focus remains on producing a quality and safe structure that will effectively serve the people of the Northwest Territories.”
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has accepted the three recommendations made by the Auditor General pertaining to improvements in the way large capital projects are managed in the Northwest Territories in the future.
The Deh Cho Bridge, when completed, will provide a reliable all-weather connection with the national highway system, and aligns with the 16th Assembly’s priority of sustainable, vibrant, safe communities by improving transportation infrastructure to connect communities.
The GNWT’s Deh Cho Bridge project team will hold a technical briefing on the project on Thursday, March 3 at 10:00 am in the second floor boardroom of the Lahm Ridge Tower. Out-of-town reporters can request to attend the briefing by teleconference.
For more information:
For more information, contact:
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
Phone: (867) 873-7712 or (867) 445-3494 (Cell)