The Ministry of Public Infrastructure yesterday retracted its previous claim that the consultancy for a feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River Bridge was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The claim had been made in a press release issued last Thursday by the ministry.
“The mix-up arose since the IDB was funding the Feasibility Study and Design for the bridge across the Demerara River at Wismar, at about the same time,” the ministry said, while adding that the other statements made in the press release remain the same and the ministry stands by them.
The ministry apologised for any inconveniences the incorrect statement may have caused.
The ministry had said that LievenseCSO was selected through sole sourcing for the consultancy following the annulment of the initial procurement process, which only saw one valid bid that exceeded the US$800,000 budget for the contract. It added that the initial procurement was annulled with the knowledge of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, which also granted permission for its engagement with LievenseCSO.
The ministry has said it actively sought greatly qualified consultants worldwide and it was during engagements with various companies, including those in the Netherlands, the Dutch Risk Reduction Team that had visited, and in England, LievenseCSO, was recommended. It further said that the firm’s bid was subsequently found to be the best, technically and fiscally, of all that had been received.
