Dear Editor,
There is a countrywide stagnation in NDIA operations as reported in the media (March 2). It is mentioned that contracts have been tendered and opened but not awarded. Is it because favoured contractors did not win the bids? Why is Irfaan Ali’s cousins being considered for a contract? That would be nepotism. Bids are supposed to be determined based on price, efficiency, and competence. But how much of such awards follow the rules? Is tendering manipulated? Mr. Maraj of Leguan was denied a contract in spite of having the lowest bid. Does Maraj’s conflict with the cousins of Irfaan Ali play a role in denying him a contract?
It is reported that the present CEO of NDIA will be replaced because of his reluctance to bypass rules and tendering process. He is slated to be replaced by one Lionel Wordsworth who is currently Chair of NDIA, an assistant to the Minister. Mr. Wordsworth was employed with the Jagmohan group that bids for contracts at NDIA. Wouldn’t this represent a conflict of interest? A female associate with PPP affiliation is the DCEO.
All tenders and security for NDIA excavators and other equipment have been on hold for months. Favoured contractors did not win the bids. So those contracts are being re-tendered. Would they be manipulated?
Similarly, steel sheet piling that was tendered for contract projects were annulled because favoured contractors did not win the bids. They are now being re-tendered.
The general feeling among traditional contractors who performed NDIA projects is that if one does not come up good, contract will not be awarded or approved.
Yours truly,
Shaun D Simmons
