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Work on Heritage Wharf could start within days

Repairs should start on Heritage Wharf in a week.

Public Works Minister Michael Weeks will address lingering questions over repairs to Heritage Wharf today in the House of Assembly, a spokesman said.Work on the $60 million storm damaged pier could start within days, Mr Weeks also announced yesterday.“As a result of our investigations, and in order to provide confidence to the cruise ship lines and eliminate any liability of the Government of Bermuda, we are undertaking remedial works to the damaged wall,” the Minister said. “These works are scheduled to commence on Monday, April 16, weather permitting.”The job was awarded to marine contractors Crisson Construction.Asked last night why original builders Correia Construction had not been tasked with the “remedial works” to the damaged wall, company CEO Dennis Correia told The Royal Gazette: “We were never asked.”Work is to focus on the wharf’s thruster wall, damaged by Hurricane Igor in September, 2010.Environmentalist Ray Charlton, the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Sandys North, responded to yesterday’s announcement: “I would like to know who’s going to pay for it.“I’d also like to know the extent of the repairs. Will they replace like with like, or will they reinforce the thruster wall so the next hurricane doesn’t do the same thing?”He said he found “hard to believe” statements made on talk radio by former Senator LaVerne Furbert that insurance would cover the cost of repairs.Mr Charlton added: “I’m thinking this work right now is to appease the cruise ships. If you look at the wall now, it’s moving back and forth.“I think Government may have been forced to get someone to spot weld it.”Mr Charlton also said the eastern mooring pier of the wharf showed buckling.“I believe that’s from poor design of the piles,” he said. “My information is that they were down as much as 125 to 130 feet. According to a source who I won’t name, larger diameter piles should have been used.”Mr Weeks said work on the thruster wall followed an investigation of Heritage Wharf conducted during the off season.Remedial works will be overseen by the Department of Environmental Protection, he added, which would also monitor the site and its surroundings for environmental impact.In response to questions about the extent of repairs and who would cover the cost, a Public Works spokesman said Mr Weeks would respond via a statement in today’s House of Assembly.