Nestled in a quiet valley in the outskirts of Serres Bay, the small town of Port Sardina is undergoing major development. The Serres Bay Development and Transit Agency (SBDTA) responsible for all government funded construction selected Phoenicia Group, an experienced architectural and construction firm to oversee the project.

The first stage of the Sardina Development Plan requires Phoenicia Group to complete construction of not only the buildings, but also road, electrical and other infrastructure as well. Phase I is slotted to be completed by the end of 2009. Under the contract, SBDTA provides Phoenicia Group all required heavy construction equipment under a lease agreement. In turn, the construction firm is responsible for all manpower and materials required for the project. “The invaluable investment in construction equipment by the government provides us the ability to deploy our crews faster” says Phoenicia Group founder, Larssen. “We have already procured most of the construction materials needed for Phase One and are working hard to hire enough manpower for the job”.

A Slow Beginning

Despite readily available funding, fast procurement of construction equipment and materials by the SBDTA, the Sardina Development Project has already encountered some obstacles. Larssen notes that Phoenicia Group is facing difficulties hiring enough masons, bricklayers and other qualified construction workers to meet the deadlines set for Phase I of the project. “We have even offered a handsome wage to residents of Sardina to supplement our professional crews” says Larssen, “but our success is moderate at best”.

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