DELAYS: Work on social housing projects in Dalton Street and Matthews Avenue are due for completion by Christmas. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 1011sgunits1
DELAYS continue for people waiting to move into social housing units in Dalton Street and Matthews Avenue.
New construction crews are working around the clock to “rectify” work carried out by the previous contractors, member for Orange Andrew Gee says.
Mr Gee said work on the 43 units would continue until the end of the year, with a lot of improvements needed on the work done by contractors supplied by St Hilliers, which was placed in voluntary administration.
“They’ve had to rectify a good deal of work but they’re on the right track now,” he said.
Mr Gee said some of the delays were to be expected, because the new builders, NSW Public Works, would need to undertake a process of vouching for previous work.
“[The projects] have had a traumatic history of construction but progress is being made now,” he said.
Mr Gee said social housing organisation Housing Plus was working with its clients to ensure they were informed of the projects’ progress.
“The end of the road is in sight,” he said.
Mr Gee confirmed the projects had been plagued by delays.
“I don’t think anyone would lavish praise on the way the construction has proceeded,” he said.
The works were due to be completed by January last year, however, the delays began when the first building company, Darclay Constructions, went into voluntary liquidation.
A spokesperson for St Hilliers confirmed the company had handed over work on the projects to NSW Public Works five months ago “despite the fact the company was willing and able to complete the works”.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
