Agriculture Ministry awards $141M in contracts

May 14, 2009 News

Five contracts totaling $141 million were awarded to four contracting companies yesterday by the Ministry of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Sector Development Unit (ASDU).

Minister Persaud (centre) along with stakeholders during the signing of the contracts yesterday.

The agriculture development unit is a new unit which is being funded jointly by the Inter American Development Bank and the World Bank.

These contracts, which were awarded at the Ministry of Agriculture boardroom, include the supply of a hydraulic excavator by the Associate Industries Limited (AINLIM), for use in drainage works in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).

There is to be the rehabilitation of structures in the EDWC to be undertaken by A and S General Contracting Inc.

It was noted that the Lama sluices are in need of repair and under this project, they will be fully rehabilitated.

Contracts were also awarded for the fabrication of punts and a pontoon for the EDWC by the Guyana National Industrial Company.

This pontoon will be used in the EDWC to transport machinery and aid in the clearing and excavation of drainage canals.

Laboratory equipment, LOT 7 – Laser Land Leveler for Burma Rice Research Station, will be procured by General Equipment Guyana Limited. The Laser Leveler is to be used at the Burma Rice Research Station to aid in improved rice research and cultivation techniques.

General Equipment Guyana Limited is also mandated to procure a LOT 8 Tractor (type 2) which will also be used at the Burma Rice Research Station to facilitate improved research.

Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud said that the implementation of these projects is intended to transform the agricultural sector, to better prepare the infrastructure and drainage system and even the farming community in the face climate change.

“Some of what we see here today is reflective of the support we have been able to garner from our international partners to further the transformation of the agriculture sector, to better our infrastructure and it indicates too some level of support for the policies and programs we have implemented at the central government level.”