GPL should be scrutinized over its contract awards

Jun 14, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,

I have read with much interest the recent questions about the handling of contracts by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). One cannot seem but think that Guyana is on a path where it is the ‘same ole, same ole’ when it comes to handling of state contracts.
Under the previous government, it was Wild West. Our public offices were being run like the ministers’ private businesses. Monies were being shifted around without attention to established procedures and Parliament’s scrutiny.
We look at New GMC and how monies were being spent and its head promoted for his good works to head the rice board. There remains big secrecy and little information coming from authorities. We are awaiting details how monies were spent the D’Urban Park project and so many other things. Mr Editor, we know that under the previous government, the management and board of the GPL were not all right. This entity has billions of dollars available to spend on projects and fuel purchase, among other things.
We have been reading on contracts handled by the GPL and not sure whether these are being handled by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. If it is, Guyana should know. Recently, there were questions over tenders that are now being assessed for a US$18M contract for new transformers and meters in another massive project.
I understand that these tenders have been opened since February. Something is very “Wong” here as a Chinese company seems to be saying that it is tipped to be the contractor.
How can one company profess knowledge before the contract is actually awarded?
Mr. Editor, there is a new Chairman (Robert Badal) and a new board. There is also a new minister, Mr. David Patterson.
We believe these are two good gentlemen and will not see us going back to the days of corruption. We believe that things have changed. We are looking for a different dispensation.
We don’t believe that it is the ‘same ole, same ole’.
Transparency Guyana should expand its mandate and start paying attention to this and other similar contracts.
M.Z. Farouk

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