INVESTIGATIONS into the alleged fraud by embattled contractor, Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL), are continuing, but there is nothing new to report, according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill.

“There is nothing new as yet; the police are currently continuing their investigations into the matter,” he said yesterday in an invited comment.
In the latter part of last month, confirmation of the termination of the contract for design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital was been forwarded to the principals of SECL. Alleged breaches forced the termination of the SECL engagement on the Specialty Hospital. SECL had its contract terminated by the Government of Guyana in early September.
Additionally, Crime Chief, Mr. Leslie James, in his most recent comment on the status of the investigations, explained that different persons are being interviewed, and the next step in the investigations is a “huge” one, which will be lodging the report with the relevant authorities.
“I appreciate the urgency in the matter, and we are trying to expedite the investigation,” Mr. James said.
SECL’s contract for the design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital began in September 2012, after a bid of US$18.1M. VIKAB Engineering Consultants Limited, held a 12-month contract as a consultant on the project.
VIKAB Engineering, according to Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, was working with a local evaluation team when irregularities and contract violations were uncovered.
The administration announced its intention to move against SECL after citing what it termed “deep concerns” over the execution of the contract, both as it relates to technical shortcomings and suspicion of fraud.
The Government of Guyana, since June this year, had been engaging SECL on a number of issues regarding allegations of fraud and financial irregularities. Initially, the Government’s concerns were related to delayed milestones, and inadequate accountability by SECL for public funds the company had received on signing the contract with the Ministry of Health.
Subsequently, the Government of Guyana discovered that SECL’s representative in Guyana had submitted a fraudulent document, purporting to emanate from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. The fraudulent act by SECL has since been confirmed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.
The start of the investigation came after a dossier of documents was submitted to the police by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, with a letter requesting such a procedure.
When the contract was terminated, Nandlall noted that the course of action to be taken will include: termination of the contract and engaging the police; and requesting an investigation into the alleged fraud, both of which actions have already been taken.
He had stated too that there was the likelihood of pursuing civil litigation against the company for compensation, damages and breach of contract.
Reports indicate that to date, the structural designs for the project have been completed, while the architectural designs are currently being reviewed. Physical progress has been seen on the essential site preparation which is some 75 per cent completed. On the building foundations 361 piles have been supplied and 235 piles have been driven.
The current administration has made clear that it has lost confidence in the capability of Surendra Engineering Company Limited.

(Vanessa Narine)