By Samuel Sukhnandan
In a significant development, the government has embraced the finalization of a report by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) concerning the contract awarded for the Belle Vue Pump Station on the West Bank Demerara.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh underscored the government’s dedication to accountability and transparency in public spending during a live address on Tuesday night.
The $865 million contract, awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to Tepui Group Inc. in 2023, came under scrutiny due to concerns about the limited progress made on the project.
Dr. Singh emphasized that the report resulted from an investigation prompted by these concerns and outlined several recommendations.
Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closely scrutinizing bidders to ensure they meet the requirements and deliver on contracts.
He highlighted the significant demand placed on existing contractors by the volume of ongoing work in the industry, while also promoting opportunities for emerging small contractors.
The Finance Minister expressed gratitude for the completion of the report by the PPC, emphasizing that it signifies the effectiveness of procurement reform structures.
He reiterated the administration’s dedication to upholding accountability and transparency in all aspects of procurement, project awarding, and implementation nationwide.