highlights infrastructural project challenges, defends transparency and accountability

IN rebuttal to a Stabroek News (SN) editorial published on October 16, 2023 titled, “Chaos in infrastructure projects,” the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has come forward to clarify and debunk what it considers to be erroneous and misleading statements.

NDIA has emphasised that it is committed to transparency, accountability, and careful planning in its infrastructural projects.

The central point of contention raised in the editorial was the assertion that the NDIA failed to acknowledge major issues with pump stations. The NDIA clarified that its intent was not to deny issues but to emphasise that these issues were external to the Authority, causing significant project delays. Challenges such as squatting and encumbrances in the construction zone were cited as obstacles that impacted project timelines.

The editorial’s claim that projects were conducted “in a haphazard manner” was strongly disputed by the NDIA, which stated that project locations were determined after extensive consultations with residents, farmers, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), and other stakeholders, based on sound engineering advice and public interest.

Regarding the Black Bush Polder pump station project, the NDIA clarified that project evaluations were carried out by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) before awarding contracts. The NDIA was only notified of the successful bidder after the award, and the entire process adhered to the Procurement Act of 2003.

The NDIA further explained that in the case of the termination of the Black Bush Polder pump station project, a Project Completion Certificate would have been issued for satisfactory work completed, and payment to the contractor was only for the work done up to that point. The advance mobilisation and performance bonds were still active at the time of termination, allowing for possible recouping of funds.

The editorial also criticised the preparation prior to the award of other pump station projects, including the Charity pump station in Region Two, the A Line pump station in West Demerara, Region Three, and the Canal No.1 pump station in Region Three. The NDIA defended its approach, highlighting the involvement of experienced consultants and engineers to formulate designs and identify optimal project locations.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s NDIA asserted that the editorial was unrealistic and provocative, given the facts they have presented. They contended that the paper failed to investigate the matter fairly and objectively, and if they had, they would have reached a different conclusion in line with the actual circumstances.

The NDIA emphasised the challenges of illegal occupations along the coastline, which have hindered development. The Ministry noted that it conduct consultations before commencing works and is committed to planning and careful execution.

Addressing the dredging of the Pomeroon River mouth, the NDIA stated that discussions were held with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) before work commenced, refuting the allegation of “underestimation of what was required.”

In conclusion, the Ministry of Agriculture’s NDIA welcomed constructive criticism while asserting its commitment to correcting misleading and offensive statements. It reiterated its dedication to transparency and accountability in its infrastructure projects, emphasising its careful planning and consultation processes