We need to base our statements on facts rather than misinformation

Jul 17, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

I’ve noticed quite a few letters being published accusing the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) of malpractices as it relates to tendering and awarding contracts. It should be made clear that the NDIA does not, and I repeat DOES NOT have any say in the tendering process. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) is the body responsible for dealing with such matters. An evaluator who does not have any relation to the Ministry would make recommendations and based on those evaluations, the NPTAB would award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder.
In yesterday’s edition of the Kaieteur News, a writer is quoted as saying, “tenders are out for pumps (almost rewarded) but bids have not been submitted as yet or deadline reached and bids opened as yet. Are decisions already made on who will get what? Is it true that the Cottage pump station in Mahaicony is assigned to the Jagmohan group? Is it true that the Andrews pump station in Essequibo is assigned to Samaroo Investment?” I am unclear who the writer’s source is, but it should be made clear that nothing of the sort has happened at the NDIA or the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Ministry of Agriculture for the first time in years has made efforts to make the execution of capital and recurrent projects as transparent as possible. Tenders and Invitation for BIDs are published daily. Contract signings are also widely publicised. Notably, the procurement laws and regulations are being strictly adhered to.
The letter also mentioned the supply of sheet piling. Ironically, there is an advertisement for an Invitation for BIDs (retendering) for the same sheet piling that the letter writer has accused the Ministry of awarding to a contractor.
If as Guyanese we are to move forward, we need to base our statements on facts rather than misinformation. It is no secret that the Government of Guyana has undertaken major infrastructural works nationwide, which would improve the livelihood of citizens.

Yours truly,
Zulfikar Mustapha
Minister of Agriculture

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