According to the Auditor General, Region Six overpaid for services in 2018.
In his report on the public accounts for 2018, seen by Stabroek News, Auditor General Deodat Sharma explained that as a result of duplicated payments, the Regional Administration overpaid the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) the sum of $32.905 million.
He explained that while $255.782 million was budgeted for electricity charges, a total of $175.890 million had been spent by December 31, 2018.
“An examination of Payment Vouchers and related documents in respect of electricity charges, revealed 158 instances totalling $32.905M where the Regional Administration had duplicated payments to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) during 2018. The duplications were as a result of bills that were previously paid for one period, the full amount paid was included on a next bill sent by GPL and was subsequently paid by the Administration,” the report states.
In its response to the observation the Region noted that overpayments totalling $16.546 million have been recovered via transfers of credits to corresponding accounts owing.
Another overpayment of $2.574 million was discovered in relation to the repairs to the Black Bush Polder Main Road at Lesbeholden.
The contract was awarded in the sum of $8.856 million by the Regional Tender Board to the lowest of four bidders against an Engineer’s Estimate of $9.156 million. By December 31, 2018, the entire sum was paid to the contractor but physical verification of the completed works, measurements and calculations showed that the amount of crusher run used on the road was misrepresented.
While the contract provides for the supply, placement and compaction for 250 cubic yards of the material, a mere 133 yards had been placed, resulting in significant over payment.
While the Regional Executive Officer had explained that the contractor would be written to with the view of recovering overpayment, the Audit Office has recommended that the Regional Administration ensure that completed works are accurately measured and quantified before payments are made to contractors.
