…bought for $15M, but needs $6M in repairs – Chairman
The Region Six Administration has been called upon to investigate the purchase of a bulldozer which is different from what is documented in the regional records.
The bulldozer was taken to the regional compound on Wednesday with mud and other debris on it.
The bulldozer in the regional office compound
In its 2017 budget proposal, the administration had proposed the purchase of a bulldozer to shape dams in the rice cultivation area and to assist cash crop farmers. As such $20 million were proposed for the purchase of the bulldozer, and this sum was approved in the 2017 National Budget.
On Thursday, Councillor Zamal Hussain called on the administration to explain what was purchased, as he lamented that the bulldozer that was purchased appeared to be a “large Christmas toy,” and not the piece of equipment which the region needs.
Weighing in on his observations, Regional Chairman David Armogan noted that the equipment appeared to be a D3 Caterpillar bulldozer, which was repainted and had a D4 sticker placed on it. The disputed bulldozer was reputed to have been purchased at a cost of $15 million.
According to the Regional Chairman, based on its obvious level of deterioration, a further $6 million will soon have to be spent on the bulldozer.
Regional Executive Officer Kim Stephens told the RDC that the bulldozer was not yet part of the region’s property, and the supplier is being awaited to hand over the registration.
The REO has said that if this bulldozer is not the right piece of equipment, then it needs to be returned to the vendor.
Moreover, Armogan has said that engineers should be invited to examine the equipment and evaluate its cost, and also whether it was indeed a Caterpillar D4 bulldozer.
He has called for a full investigation into the matter. (Andrew Carmichael)
