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Irregularities are deeply entrenched in the system of awarding contracts
Dear Editor,
I support fully the pronouncements of President Jagdeo that contractors must be penalized for failure to deliver contracts on time and that Government decision-makers can also fall under the hatchet (Guyana Chronicle April 3). I know first hand and have penned open representations against shoddy work done by contractors.
As a business executive, I call on His Excellency to cause investigations into the procurement malpractices involving many procurement officials and suppliers. It is my on-going experience that if you cannot “slack” the boys, your company doesn’t get the business. I must confess readily that some permanent secretaries do investigate reports of irregularities, but not even an acknowledgement would be received from others. Some officials even blacklist your organisation when you complain.
One is strongly tempted to conclude that many procurers are “in the take”.
I am aware of some suppliers who win tenders to supply a particular quality of product, but when the product is actually supplied the quality is a far cry from what is required. And those suppliers continue to get tender awards. Why? How?
Some bidders would not meet tender board requirements at the opening of tender boxes and the award is postponed to another date to facilitate these delinquent bidders. This is the reality, Mr. President. Irregularities are deeply entrenched in the system.
I know further that Government Ministries/agencies have procurement procedures but these procedures are adhered more in the breach. Again, who are the beneficiaries?
Our economy has seen enough haemorraging. Stemming this bleeding depends on the integrity of our decision-makers. Most Guyanese want this nation to move forward. But there are many who are vested with the authority but who use their positions for self aggrandizement.
God knows when we will summon the will to ensure fair play.
T. Jadunauth
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