Sting operations coming as Gov’t cracks down on procurement breaches

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday placed on notice all individuals involved in public procurement that the government will seriously crack down on any breaches and shortcomings in the system.

Jagdeo, during a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference, said if any faults are unearthed, there will be sanctions.

“… let me make it clear that if we find that those officers are skirting the provisions of the procurement law then there shall be consequences for them,” he emphasised.

The Vice President later added: “… If you have been engaged in these practices and you get caught, don’t come later and complain that you have two kids or something else or you belong to some party.”

He even announced that there would be sting operations and other activities meant to scrutinise people’s work so that no one would flout the law or any established procedures.

Other issues the government will be scrutinising include delays in processing contractors’ payments and dishonest supervisory activities on projects. Altogether, the Vice President believes the government wants to strengthen the procurement system through this review process.

“Sometimes, the government needs to do this sort of review,” he said.

Last month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali issued a stern warning to defaulting contractors, indicating that the government will go after those contractors who have gone past their project deadline and the justifiable extensions.