AS the government continues to fulfil its commitment of ensuring that no community is left behind in Guyana’s rapid developmental agenda, the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has invited bids for two massive projects.

The NDIA recently issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) seeking eligible bidders to undertake the rehabilitation of 30 kilometres of the access road at Ebini/Kimbia, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). This is estimated to be $394M.

Also, bids are opened for the construction of an access road at Canal No. 2 Conservancy Dam, West Bank Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). This is estimated to be $145.770M.

Bids for the projects are to be submitted by April 23, 2024, at the office of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Bidders must submit one hard copy and two electronic copies of the tenders. According to the IFB, bidding will be conducted through the National Committee Bidding (NCB) procedures, as specified in the Procurement Act 2003 and Regulations 2004.

It was also noted that interested eligible bidders may inspect the bidding documents and obtain further information from the Procurement Office at NDIA during normal working hours.

Moreover, bid documents will be available from April 2, 2024, and can be uplifted from the office of the NDIA, cashier’s cage upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $3,000.

All bids must be accompanied by valid certificates of compliance from the Manager of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
It was said that all bids must be accompanied by a bid security amounting to the value specified in the bid document.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, in January, announced that $72.3 billion has been budgeted in the 2024 national budget to provide upgrades to Guyana’s national drainage and irrigation network.

Meanwhile, some $97.6 billion has been budgeted to advance and catalyse the agriculture sector.

“Today the agriculture sector is alive and well and growing, and thriving and prospering,” Dr. Singh said.

Furthermore, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in January, highlighted the “massive transformation” that is being facilitated in the 2024 budget.

Apart from the measures that are being put in place to benefit men, women, children, and the vulnerable, he said that 2023 did not disappoint for the agricultural sector, and 2024 will continue this tremendous growth.