The Guyanese government has announced stringent measures against concrete suppliers who fail to meet quality standards or delivery timelines for infrastructure projects. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, alongside the Ministry of Public Works, unveiled these steps in response to mounting complaints about substandard products and delays affecting government initiatives.
Under the new policy, suppliers providing inferior concrete or missing delivery deadlines will face severe consequences:
- Blacklisting: Delinquent suppliers will be prohibited from participating in future government contracts.
- Financial Penalties: Companies may incur surcharges and be held responsible for cost recovery related to project delays or structural damage caused by their substandard products.
- Enhanced Monitoring: The Ministry plans to intensify oversight of the concrete supply chain and strengthen quality control measures.
The government’s action comes in response to several issues plaguing ongoing infrastructure projects:
- Substandard Strength: Some suppliers have provided concrete with significantly lower strength than required for road construction.
- Quantity Discrepancies: Contractors have reported receiving smaller quantities of cement than ordered.
- Delayed Deliveries: Despite advance payments, suppliers have subjected contractors to extended wait times.
To ensure comprehensive oversight, the government is encouraging public participation, urging citizens to report cases of poor construction in their communities.
Vice President Jagdeo emphasized the importance of these measures in safeguarding the quality and timely completion of Guyana’s ongoing infrastructure expansion. He stated, “We cannot allow substandard materials to compromise the integrity of our national development projects.”
The Ministry of Public Works has committed to implementing these new policies immediately, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to quality issues in the construction sector. This crackdown aims to protect public funds, maintain high standards for government projects, and ensure the longevity of Guyana’s infrastructure investments.
