Chapter 69: Masters, Part 3

James

I take the plans from my briefcase, schedules and contour maps I brought with me, spreading them out on the table. "I have the survey team going in now to assess the geological side of things, the state of the river bed, the stability of the surrounding terrain and so on. Assuming that doesn't throw up any really unpleasant surprises, I should be able to get the initial works started, from the technical side, within a few weeks. However, what I can't handle easily myself, is the admin for the permissions from the City for what's needed. I don't know the local officials and inspectors and it may take some.... um.... encouragement.... to come up with the permissions as quickly as will be needed."

Haswell sucks in his cheeks. "And these are permissions for what, exactly?"

"Well, it's not just a case of building foundations for the bridge or sinking in pilings...." I sketch out on the plans as I go, illustrating my point. "It needs preparatory work to, in effect, canalise the r