Project assistance completion report : Cumberland hydroelectric

Vincent's Cumberland Valley. After several delays and a 6-month extension, all major project goals were met or exceeded. The extension was required to allow the delivery of electrical equipment delayed by difficulties in defining technical specifications and obtaining waivers. The main civil works contractor, CDK Contracting Company, experienced delays in the initial stages which slowed down other components and led to claims for damages from the other main contractor. CDK completed the works in 4/88, three months behind schedule, and submitted a claim for additional costs of $2 million; this claim is under review. CDK's obligation to rehabilitate the Cumberland Valley Road was transferred to another contractor after CDK failed to agree to an acceptable cost and schedule for the work. Other contractor activities were implemented without significant problems. These included: supply and installation of overhead hoists in the powerhouses, supply and installation of manual and motorized gates for intake and pipeline inlet structures, construction of five staff houses, construction of measuring weirs and rain gauge and staff gauge stations and supply of hydrometric measuring equipment, and measures to protect the Cumberland Valley ecosystem, including soil conservation and preparation of environmental legislation. To reduce the negative impact on local residents, the project also constructed laundry facilities and bath houses to replace the use of the river. Compensation payments were also made for encroachment and/or land damage, although settlement of claims was negotiated at a slow pace. A major lesson learned is that architectural and engineering consultants should be retained to supervise and certify all work undertaken under Force Account Reimbursement agreements in order to ensure speedy and efficient completion of the work.