–PPC refutes inaccuracies in Stabroek News, KN reports on Tepui procurement investigation

THE Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has strongly refuted what it describes as “mischaracterisations, misrepresentations and misinformation” contained in recent media coverage of its investigation into the $865 million pump station contract awarded to Tepui Inc.

In a statement on Friday, the PPC addressed claims made in a March 10, 2025, article published by Stabroek News, followed by a Kaieteur News editorial dated March 15.
The commission reaffirmed that it acted promptly and within its constitutional mandate, firmly rejecting suggestions that it was slow or hesitant in addressing concerns about the procurement process.

The PPC said that its constitutional authority is to monitor and investigate public procurement to ensure fairness, transparency and competitiveness, not to award or cancel contracts.
The investigation into the Tepui Inc. contract began just three days after a formal complaint was lodged on October 3, 2023, by an opposition Member of Parliament.
By October 6, the commission had already requested responses from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the tender board.

Despite delays in receiving key documents, the PPC published a 35-page Summary of Findings by April 16, 2024.
The report outlined 13 recommendations and referred the matter to the Auditor General, consistent with its oversight functions.

DELAYS NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PPC
The commission highlighted that a site visit was conducted on November 28, 2024, following a similar inspection by the Auditor General in August.

Although the full set of documentation from the NDIA was submitted only in January 2025, the PPC proceeded with a comprehensive review and engaged the procuring entity after its February 2025 meeting.

Criticism that the PPC took “three months” to respond after its site visit fails to acknowledge the necessary time for document analysis, due process, and the commission’s commitment to procedural integrity.

“Issuing public statements or recommendations on speculation without a complete and substantiated report would be premature and irresponsible,” the PPC noted.
The commission took issue with several assertions by Kaieteur News, including the claim that the PPC delayed its site visit for 14 months post-contract award.

“The Kaieteur News editorial displays reckless and utter disregard for accuracy, preferring instead to peddle misinformation and wild, irrational speculation,” the commission said.
The PPC clarified that a visit was conducted in March 2024, which was included in the April report.

Additionally, the PPC disputed the Kaieteur News’s statement regarding the number of reports issued, pointing out that seven investigative reports, an annual report and multiple publications had been produced between July 2022 and 2025.

The PPC also dismissed repeated claims of inflated staffing costs, stating that these figures were compared between periods when the commission was and wasn’t constituted—an inaccurate comparison previously addressed in a December 2024 press release.

Also, the commission reiterated that it remains steadfast in its role of ensuring accountability and transparency in public procurement.
As such, the commission reaffirmed that it acted responsibly and within its legal remit, placing the onus on NDIA to respond and act on its recommendations.

“The PPC in the premises categorically rejects any assertion that it has been hesitant or tardy in addressing the Tepui Inc. matter,” the release said.