‘Taxpayer will have to pay for runway delay’
EACH day the runway extension project is 'kicked down the road' will lead to increased cost to taxpayers, Guernsey Construction Forum chairman John Bampkin has warned.
The forum, which represents many local construction, architecture and surveyor bodies, commented in the wake of the Economic Development Committee intending to pass the project to the States' Trading Supervisory Board, which is immediately recommending that it gets passed to Environment & Infrastructure.
Mr Bampkin said the turn of events was concerning.
‘Passing it to E&I is probably putting the matter in the right place but the manner that this “hot potato” has been flipped around and will probably also be "kicked down the road" is extremely concerning,’ he said.
‘This coupled with the fact that all planned major projects are on hold pending a further review is painting a picture of complete paralysis from the current "States of Action".
‘This is at a time when inflation is already higher than it has been for 30 years and is not showing any real signs of slowing. Every day we deliberate or kick it down the road, it is costing the taxpayer more. It’s costing more to get the work done and it’s costing more in terms of added economic value lost.’
Mr Bampkin said the forum was in support of Economic Development member Simon Vermeulen, who is rebelling against his committee and calling for the runway project to go ahead.
He added that the States has a large portfolio of properties, which the forum felt was under utilised.
‘[These properties] either need to be sold or converted to make financial returns,’ he said.
‘The GCF and construction industry could assist with making this asset work for them in terms of providing space for housing and commercial business that will support and enhance the economy.
‘This will increase the tax revenue, cut costs dramatically and provide for the right development of the economy.’
Guernsey’s Trading Assets published an estates plan in 2018 to look at maximising income and minimising expenditure when it comes to the States property portfolio.
Mr Bampkin said it was vital Guernsey supported business and commerce, as this generated tax money to cover the costs of infrastructure.
‘What is so disappointing is that we have the answers right here in Guernsey to move forward sustainably without ruining what we already have and love so dearly, but we are stumbling blindly into a situation where its too late for our services and infrastructure because of a lack of will, collaboration and courage,’ he said.
