New contracts were yesterday signed with two security companies to provide services at state properties and facilities across the country.
The contracts which will cost government some $60 million per month ($720 million for the year) were awarded to RK’s Security Service and the Home Safe Security and Domestic Services (HSS&DS).
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Sewchan along with the regional executive officers (REOs) of the ten administrative regions signed the contracts with Roshan Khan of RK’s and Robert Johnson of HSS&DS.
Khan will provide services in regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six at a fee of $46 million each month while Johnson’s contract, valued $14 million will cover regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.
Khan, in brief remarks, told the gathering that he intends to continue co-operation with the REOs and the region as a whole, but noted that in cases where security has to be scaled down because of financial limitations, it would have to be understood that this could increase security risks. He urged that his security personnel be afforded basic amenities including washroom facilities since in the past this has posed a challenge.
Johnson asked for the full cooperation of the region in the execution of his contract.
The contracts are for a year and the companies were selected after a competitive bidding process through the National Procurement and Administration board. Four companies initially responded but the two were most responsive.