Contractors win dispute
JUBILANT contractors are set to work overtime over the next week to complete tenders for four key airport advance works contracts after they won their three-month-old contract conditions dispute yesterday with the Provisional Airport Authority (PAA).
''It may mean a last-minute rush to complete the details in time, but frankly it will be worth it,'' said one builder.
''We are just pleased to be back in a position where we can compete for work again.'' Several firms said the deal was a major climbdown for the PAA, which had been forced to make significant concessions to reach agreement with the Hong Kong Construction Association.
''Contractors have won most of the things they set out to achieve three months ago. This whole episode must raise serious questions about the future of the PAA's senior management,'' one said.
The protracted talks ended yesterday when the 26 contractors shortlisted for the advance works contracts agreed to accept the PAA's revised contract conditions.
These include setting up an independent disputes resolution panel to settle disputes as construction continues.
