In the wake of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s July meeting with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Chairman Lionel Wordsworth has yet to provide a promised update on the status of documentation required by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) on the Belle Vue Pump Station project.
Wordsworth, who spoke with Stabroek News (SN) yesterday, said that he first needs to “update” himself before he can offer any new information on the matter. The last communication from Wordsworth had assured an update by August 26, 2024, but no new details have been forthcoming.
The PPC has confirmed to SN that the NDIA has still not submitted the necessary documentation. This issue stems from a controversial contract awarded to Tepui Inc. for the Belle Vue pump station, which has faced scrutiny over the violations of procurement guidelines. Mustapha had previously promised to address the situation and ensure the NDIA’s compliance with documentation requirements.