More Problems with Pumps at Agriculture

Dear Editor,

The situation of problems at the Ministry of Agriculture is much worse than an editorial at KN suggested last March 2. Payments are made for works not done, no-show works. Wrong equipment and tools are purchased. For what ends? Some contractors and government functionaries have become extremely wealthy. Some NDIA staff are provided vacations overseas for approving non-working and unsuitable equipment as well payments for non-performance. They are closing their eyes to fraud.

Recently, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and CEO of NDIA resigned rather than put signatures to matters they disapproved of and would be considered as corruption. They were opposed to approving substandard pump, unworkable pump stations and making payment for non-existent works. They resigned rather than have to face questions from an investigative public on wrong doings at the Ministry. Several competent engineers also resigned for the same reasons. But some engineers are feted well. Eight went on an all-expense paid vacation to Las Vegas courtesy of a local pump station contractor.

It is reported that a regional engineer who is supposed to represent NDIA’s interests is working for a contractor in Region 2; he gets high remuneration. This particular engineer was among those who went on the ten days holiday in Las Vegas, sponsored by a pump supplier of sub-standard pumps. How is this acceptable to the Ministry and the government? Did the Minister and Chair of NDIA approve of the vacation and did he query how the group of engineers was going to Vegas, Why and who was paying for such a lavish and expensive trip?

Some pumps recently arrived from China. The specs required for the job should have been American or Indian made. The specs of the arrived pumps have not been met.  They will not work. The pump stations, as your editorial and reports in other independent media noted, are already more than a year behind.  The station itself is poorly designed and not done by certified engineers. The new CEO and engineers are being pressured to approve the pumps.

On my visit at my sister’s home in Essequibo a few days ago, I saw two pumps being parked at Andrews village. Villagers told me that the pump station has been under construction for three years. When will it finish?

Would the new CEO of NDIA, new Permanent Secretary, and remaining engineers (not sent on vacation) be strong enough to push back against corruption? Would they hold ground and refuse to succumb to pressure to approve substandard equipment, pumps, and works.

Yours truly,

Rudesh Jodha