Concerned about procurement of tractors in Region Four

Dear Editor,

There is a matter at the Region Four level which is of concern to the Better Hope/LBI NDC and the Enmore/Hope NDC.

Both NDCs are seeking to purchase a tractor each from a supplier of a particular brand-name, which is made in India. The process went through the procurement department of Region Four. Approval was obtained to purchase the tractors.

The tractors identified from the specifications were four-wheel drive, suitable to the dumpsite terrain at Lusignan. Lo and behold, when the time arrived to finalise purchasing, the NDCs were asked to sign for two-wheel drive tractors.

Natural questions: Where did the process get screwed, and by whom? Were the ads and procurement papers manipulated to the mutual benefit of the procurer and the supplier?

Objections were raised by the two NDCs and everybody scampered for cover. The matter is at a stalemate at the moment and the two NDCs are without their tractors. The financial year is coming to an end. From all indications, these NDCs will not get their tractors this year.

Mr Editor, I smell a rat. I am respectfully asking that your investigating staff go on the ground and start investigating the NDCs’ paperwork to the current date. Shocking revelations will surface.

Yours faithfully,

(Name and address supplied)