Contractors in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) were cautioned recently by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Desmond Kissoon that the Regional Tender and Procurement Board will this year debar or blacklist contractors who fail to deliver satisfactory and complete work within agreed deadlines.
Kissoon who was meeting contractors in the boardroom of the Regional Administration at Lethem reminded them of the prerequisites they must satisfy before they are awarded contracts and he also informed them about the administration’s expectations regarding contract work.
The REO noted that it was essential that contractors tendering for construction work must possess IRD and NIS tax compliances, Information Officer Terrence Boston said in a press release yesterday.
In addition, the REO said that some of the other requirements which contractors must possess before tendering include a good track record based on consistent ability and resources to undertake and complete work of approved standards within the agreed time frame.
The Regional Administration and the people of Region Nine are expecting quality work in exchange for the public funds paid to execute the works, the REO pointed out. He also stated that the technical section of the regional Public Works Department will be monitoring stages of ongoing projects more closely this year, and the penalty clause will be applied to defaulting contractors.
But contractors in telling their side of the story stated that consideration must be given to negative factors such as the unpredictable weather pattern and prolonged rainy season in the Rupununi over which they have no control.
Some contractors also contended that at times the rainy season starts in the region not long after the National Budget is passed and funds are released to the region to commence projects.
They explained that one of the problems they face in this period is having to mobilize and transport materials to worksites in far-flung areas where there is difficult terrain without all-weather roads.
However, the REO acknowledged that the Regional Administration is aware of such problems and will be working closely with contractors to iron out kinks which hamper the free flow of work and are within the administration’s control, the release added.
