Delinquent concrete suppliers face blacklisting

The Ministry of Public Works has issued a stern warning to delinquent concrete suppliers, including the possibility of blacklisting, following a series of complaints from contractors regarding the supply of concrete for government projects.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry highlighted issues with delays in supply, inconsistent quantities, and substandard quality. Contractors have made advance payments to concrete suppliers but have been forced to wait for extended periods, sometimes as long as three weeks.

The ministry noted that contractors have provided evidence of complaints, which it has since verified, showing that quantities ordered and paid for have not been supplied.

“This leaves projects incomplete, and when the remainder is supplied, it increases the likelihood of defects occurring,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of Public Works, through its independent testing mechanisms, has discovered that some concrete suppliers have provided concrete that severely falls short of the technical requirements, including but not limited to PSI specifications.

Moving forward, the ministry stated that these issues will no longer be tolerated, and failure to comply with required standards and delivery timelines will result in immediate and severe consequences.

In response, the government will increase oversight, with enhanced monitoring of the concrete supply chain and intensified testing and quality control exercises.

The ministry also announced that delinquent concrete suppliers will be blacklisted, and government contractors will be prohibited from procuring concrete produced by them.

Additionally, surcharges will be imposed, and costs will be recovered from any concrete supplier whose products cause undue delays, structural damage, increased expenditure, or any other damages.

Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo also addressed issues related to infrastructure project delivery during a press conference on Thursday, stating that there is callousness and neglect in the implementation of projects.