Infrastructure Minister to get tough with contractors

David Patterson

Minister of Public Infra-structure David Patterson has begun the process of ensuring qualified contractors for public works and he has signalled a tough approach on poor work and delays.

The new APNU+AFC government has announced plans to reconstitute the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The NPTAB presides over billions of dollars worth of contracts each year and critics and political parties have questioned the basis for key awards in the past. It was also felt that the previous government, through evaluation committees, had an undue influence on the process.

In an interview with Stabroek News, Patterson contended that the level of favouritism that was evident under the