The perception is not the reality, Mr. Jadunauth

Jan 11, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter in the Kaieteur News which alleged that work on the culvert at Enmore has been abandoned. The author, Mr. Tejnauth Jadunauth, also alleged that the contractor has unfinished works in Region Four, and has limited resources.
a) He questions how the contractor is given work in such a wide area.
b) He contends that the contractor submits the lowest tender and executes shoddy works.
c) He questions whether someone’s hands are in someone else’s pockets.
d) He lists a number of projects allegedly unfinished.
I am the contractor who is executing the works on the culvert at Enmore, and who has been awarded the contracts listed. The author, as a resident of Enmore, should query the non-completion of the work, but should not assume that the work is abandoned. Further, in researching the projects listed, it appears that he has personal motives and is biased.
I wish to state that works at Enmore are not abandoned. It was necessary for the RDC of Region Four and the NDC of Enmore to make certain structural changes in the design after the contract was awarded. These changes necessitated additional costs, which had to be agreed.
Additionally, concrete works require a minimum of 28 days to settle before further works can be done. The NDC of Enmore-Hope did not have the funds for all the variation works, and it was orally agreed that I would execute the works for a reduced sum. However, the NDC removed from the site excavated materials which should have been used for backfilling, and thus breached our oral agreement. Accordingly, I am unwilling to fund the cost of backfilling, and thus the work is held up.
With regards to other issues raised above, these are my responses:
a)    All contractors in Guyana, at some point, have unfinished works which are in progress. Contractors do not have unlimited resources, but I do have the requisite technical, financial and human resources which, however, are affected by a number of factors, for example migration of people, and cash flow problems due to non payment. Currently, one Government Ministry owes me in excess of $7,000,000, of which $1,800,000 was due since 2004.
b)    Contractors are free to tender for works in an open manner. Awards are made by the Tender Board
c)    Contracts are not necessarily awarded to the lowest tender. Since the author has inside information on my bids, he should publish the bids by other contractors to justify his claim. As regards shoddy work, the author appears to have engineering expertise, and therefore should utilise it in this field. All works done by me are checked by the Engineering Department of Region Four and the Works Committee before payment is effected.
d) I do not offer bribes to anyone
e) With regards to listed projects, these are my responses:-
1- Linden Drive, Rail Street, Plaisance, Joyce and Rutherford Streets/Roads. The first project commence very late, due to concerns expressed by residents. The first, second and third projects are all 65% completed, and I am awaiting stone which is in short supply. The last project has been finalised since the end of October 2008. As soon as the weather improves, all works will be finalised.
2 – St. Cuthbert’s Nursery and living quarters — these jobs were awarded in late October and, based on the time frame, will be completed.
3 – Revetment at New Hope and Cane Grove – works were affected due to the unavailability of sizes of timber that were required to do the job, due to demand. However, all materials are on site and works are 98% and 99% completed.
In conclusion, I wish to say that Mr. Jadunauth should research with the same zeal works undertaken by other contractors, both nationally and regionally. I trust that this clarification removes the perception from his eyes and bring him closer to reality.
Narindra Lachman

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