Dear Editor,
For the benefit of members of the public, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) would like to respond to a letter titled “No tendering and no transparency in these purchases” (08.04.10).

This is the second such misconception on this particular matter which was stated by an opposition talk show host.
NDIA is unaware of any drainage pump valued at US$400,000 ever being supplied by an ex-engineer. What we are aware of and what has been adequately publicized is the purchase and installation of two hydraulically driven drainage pumps at a cost of $86.6M. This sum covers the supply and installation of the two pumping units, inclusive of the power skids, hydraulic pump ends, discharge pipe works, protective enclosure for the pump units, associated civil works and one spare pump end – the submersible component of the pump……