Dear Editor,
After seeing the Minister terminating a contractor’s contract, I expected various actions and setting of new rules for those have already received contracts and who are bidding for contracts. Instead, everything seems to remain the same, and my assumption is that the termination was used to satisfy the public’s hunger for action against delinquent contractors. Of recent, many contractors started popping up and bidding for contracts. Almost everyone is under the impression that government is paying way above the cost the contract value, so everyone is going through the routine to get an opportunity at the breadbasket.
Many don’t have the required qualification, experience or knowledge of the contract that they bidding for, but they will hire someone to write the proposal for him/her, pay one or more qualified persons to put their name to register a company then start their quest. Many of these contracts are being executed by underpaid, semiskilled person/persons, instead of the qualified as listed in the bidding contract. As a result, many of these works don’t last long after completion.
Majority of the contracts originate through the Ministry of Public Works and most are road contracts, which seems to be the most popular. Given the way our money is being wasted, no one seems to have taken into consideration that proper work be done for money paid. Editor, there are massive road works being done around the country, and the new schemes offers lots of opportunities for contractors.
Walking into any scheme, you see that a majority of the roads are in deplorable conditions and most of them were completed a short time back. There isn’t a new scheme that has a road to stand up against the various types of vehicles traversing and many have asked if the government had taken into consideration the types of vehicles utilizing those roads and the road’s expected lifespan. If such be the case, then they should monitor the contractors’ works and take precautionary measures to deny them getting future contracts.
When the finished work deteriorates, it inconveniences everyone and causes many to complain until it becomes overbearing and then government comes out as if they are the saviour. Visiting these various new schemes, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Dairy New Scheme roads are the most deplorable; they are in such in a state that whenever the rain falls, it’s impossible for anyone to walk comfortably. Potholes are found in most of the streets and some are extraordinarily huge that it’s completely impossible for anyone to walk unless you want your feet to get mud. Is there any hope for people living comfortably for the money that is being spent?
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
