The project for a new ferry to the northwest financed by India stalled last year after New Delhi’s Exim Bank did not provide a no-objection to the contractor recommended by the government here.
The 2018 Auditor General’s report, which was presented to Parliament but not tabled, said that the sum of $1.33b had been allotted for the provision of an ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry.
However, the report said that the entire allocation remained unspent. Further, it said that the intended benefits of the programme, which included improved transportation, may be delayed.
The Head of Budget Agency stated that the sum of $1.133 billion allotted
for this activity remained unspent at the end of 2018 mainly because India’s Exim Bank did not provide the no-objection to the award of the contract to the bidder recommended by the Government of Guyana.
The Head of Budget Agency also pointed to delays experienced during
the tender process, including requests for explanations by an unsuccessful bidder, as well as clarifications and requests from Exim Bank.
