LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Norman Whittaker yesterday lashed out at the “misleading” article published in the Friday, July 11, issue of the Kaieteur newspapers under the headline “Government to buy truck for four times its cost.”

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom in Kingston, Georgetown, the minister disclosed that the cost being queried represented that of the truck and the extra equipment purchased.

He posited that the total cost of US$436,803 was approved and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and that what is being purchased is not merely a truck but, rather, the following equipment was included in its cost:- a 32-ton capacity chassis, double axles (front and rear), auxiliary cranes, closed and open top containers, and spare parts. Included in the cost also is the provision of training for four staff members.

Minister Whittaker further stated that all additional spare parts were purchased brand new from the truck’s manufacturers. He stressed that brand new equipment was purchased as this is more beneficial than buying used or reconditioned parts.

Minister Whittaker pointed out that Kaieteur newspaper depicted a single axle truck in its article, but the one bought by Government is double-axle (front and rear).
He said the project was advertised, and there were two bidders, but the other bidder was approximately US$90,000 over the recommended price.

Moreover, Minister Whittaker asserted that the LGRD Ministry can provide a detailed breakdown of the cost involved.

The truck and all its equipment were purchased for use at the Haags Bosch Landfill, so as to improve the running of operations at the facility.

(By Savitri Laikram)