Suppliers of concrete slabs, poles to be blacklisted for non-compliance with standards – Public Works Min.
Mar 01, 2025
Kaieteur News- The Ministry of Public Works on Friday said that suppliers of concrete slabs and poles will be blacklisted for sub-standard work, non-compliance with standards and failing to adhere to delivery timelines.
In a statement, the ministry said that it will not be tolerating sloppy work and tardiness. The announcement came one day after Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo encouraged persons to flag sub-standard works on Thursday at his weekly press conference.
The ministry said there have been delays in the supply of the material despite contractors remitting advanced payments to concrete suppliers but are made to wait extended periods, as long as three weeks.
“Contractors have complained, supplied evidence and the Ministry of Public Works has since verified that quantities ordered and paid for from Concrete Suppliers have not been supplied. This leaves projects incomplete and, when the remainder is supplied, increases the likelihood of defects occurring.
The Ministry of Public Works, through its independent testing mechanisms has discovered that a number of Concrete Suppliers have supplied concrete that severely fall short of the technical requirements including but not limited to PSI,” the ministry stated.
The Public Works Ministry said suppliers who fail to comply with the required standards and delivery timelines will have “immediate and severe consequences”.
The ministry said it will be increasing its monitoring of the concrete supply chain and intensify our testing and quality control exercises.
“The Ministry will blacklist delinquent Concrete Suppliers and prohibit Government Contractors from procuring concrete produced by them. The Ministry will impose surcharges and recover costs from any delinquent Concrete Supplier whose products cause undue project delays, structural damage, increased expenditures or any other relevant damages.”
Further, the ministry made it clear that it will continue to prioritize “the successful and timely completion of public works projects across Guyana”.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and the public, to support our efforts in delivering infrastructure that meets the highest standards of durability and safety.”
Meanwhile, Jagdeo on Thursday told reporters that he is aware of the complaints regarding the substandard work and noted that it is unacceptable and the government is not prepared to tolerate it.
“We’re open, we’re transparent, and we’re encouraging the citizens; if you see public infrastructure being done in your communities and you see it being done in a shoddy manner, speak up. Post a picture online,” he encouraged.
The VP said that the poor quality of material “has nothing to do with planning”.
“It’s just neglect. It’s neglect and people not doing what they should be doing. We pay engineers for a purpose – to make sure that things are done well. But they can’t do so and behave like little gods,” Jagdeo stated.
(Suppliers of concrete slabs, poles to be blacklisted for non-compliance with standards – Public Works Min.)
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