The supplier of the controversial bulldozer to the Region Six Administration will have to retake ownership of the equipment, since the Region will not accept it.
Region Six Chairman David Armogan said the supplier has been informed of the decision by the Region.
According to Armogan, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East
Region Six Chairman David Armogan
Berbice/Corentyne), Kim Williams-Stephen, informed the supplier on Thursday that it was a D4 bulldozer which was requested, but a D3 bulldozer was supplied.
“There will be no compromise. The money will have to be refunded,” he said.
At a RDC meeting held last week, concerns were raised over the bulldozer. Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Zamal Hussain called on the administration to explain why a used machine was purchased instead of a new one.
Initially, the REO had said the machine was not paid for, but later admitted that
The bulldozer in the Regional Office compound
almost $15 million had been given to the supplier as full payment.
An investigation was ordered.
According to Armogan, the investigation revealed that the contractor had breached the contract.
The Region Six Administration was called upon to investigate the purchase of the bulldozer, which is different from what is documented in the regional records.
The bulldozer was taken to the regional compound last Wednesday with mud and other debris on it.
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 last, Councillor Hussain had 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 needed.
Weighing in on his observations, Regional Chairman Armogan had 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 would soon have had to be spent on the bulldozer.
