TIGI calls for review of speciality hospital USD$18.1 contract

 

Georgetown : Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI) today expresses its concerns at the recent allegations of irregularity in the tendering process in relation to a contract valued at USD $18.1 million awarded for the construction of the Speciality Hospital in Turkeyen from among five bidders to Surrendra Engineering Corporation Ltd.

According to media reports as well as a review of Surrendra’s website, the company has no experience in the construction of hospitals. Forthe purpose of bidding for the project, FeddersLloyd Corporation Ltd., who bid lower, formed a consortium with NOUS Hospital Consultants, which has expertise in building specialized hospitals and has commissioned about 90 hospitals around the world.

Fedders also contended that there were irregularities in the bidding and evaluation process, especially as regards the extension of time for the submission of bids; numerous changes to the tender documents after invitations to bid were solicited; and the submission of a bank guarantee from an Indian bank to be confirmed by a local bank.The Ministry disputed these charges and indicated that Fedders was disqualified on “administrative grounds”.

In this regard Transparency Guyana welcomes the Government’s decision to reassess the award of the contract in view of a protest being lodged with the Ministry of Health by Fedders. TIGI urges that this matter be resolved as quickly as possible and that in the interest of transparency the public is informed of the results. In the interest of accountability the public must ensure that it is getting value for money and that the project will be professionally executed and completed by those best qualified to do so.