THE once booming construction industry, which at one time was forced to augment its numbers with workers from the region, has gone soft, according to industry sources.
Several of the players, including construction giant C. O. Williams Construction Ltd, are reporting that construction projects have dried up, and instead of hiring they are struggling to maintain staff.
Mike Williams, public relations officer for C. O. Williams, told the DAILY?NATION that the company had made adjustments to the decline in work by putting its staff on a rotation basis.
“We have a staff of about 500 people, and we don’t want to lose any of them. We have entered into an agreement with them where they are rotated depending on the demand. Our staff have been very good.”
He pointed out that the biggest project the company was presently undertaking was the Warrens Redevelopment Project but he quickly added that it was “only a drop in the bucket”.
“Most of our trucks are parked in the yard. Government work is just not there. The Government is trying, but they just don’t have the money.
“We hope Government can get some more work going soon, but the recession is worldwide.”
Ronald Robinson of Ajax Construction said the industry had “totally dried up”.
“If you don’t be careful and something don’t happen soon, it will be on the brink of collapse,” he stated, pointing out that he had already cut his staff from 75 to a mere 15.
“Four Seasons is not happening. The [Barbados Water Authority] mains laying programme is not happening. All you are hearing are promises.
“Government said it would give NHC houses to small contractors, and this has not become a reality as yet,” said Robinson, who has been in the business since 1987.
Asked how the slowdown was affecting business, construction manager at Rayside Construction Limited, Roger Gill, said: “When we don’t have work we always lay off people.” He said that any slowdown in the economy would negatively affect operations.
The cry was the same from managing director of Brathwaite’s Construction and Transport Services, Ron Brathwaite, but he said instead of laying off staff his company was finding creative ways to keep their employees.
“Some have taken pay cuts, and we are trying to do other projects as well, but it has been very challenging for the past year and a half.”
However, he said the firm was forced to cut its subcontractors from 120 down to 61.
Despite the gloom and doom affecting the industry, he said, laying off staff was “the very last resort” since the staff had been loyal to the company over the years.
“We are like a family and it will be hard to send home anyone,” Brathwaite stated.
He said that any roadworks projects undertaken by the Government would be a great and welcome relief.
