$1.3B in contracts signed as Agri ministry continues 2021 work programme
Several agencies under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday signed multiple contracts to the tune of over $1.3 billion dollars, to advance their 2021 work programmes.
Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, said works will begin immediately so that the projects could be completed on time.
“We’ll ensure that these projects commence immediately, I’ve already advised our programme heads that they should ensure that when these contracts are signed, they immediately prepare a mobilisation advance and we commence the project, these are very critical projects for the delivery of services to the people of our country.”
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) signed three contracts valuing over $1.2 billion dollars, for the construction of a pump station at Andrews, Essequibo, the rehabilitation of the pump station at Adventure, Corentyne, Berbice and the construction of a Sluice at Capoey in the Essequibo.
The contract for the construction of the Pump Station at Andrews was awarded to N. Nauth and Sons and will see improvement in drainage for farmers and residents for approximately 3,000 acres of land.
The rehabilitation of the Adventure pump station at Adventure, will benefit approximately 5,000 acres of rice cultivation by preventing flooding in the area. D. SAWH Mechanical Workshop has been awarded the contract.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Sluice at Capoey, Essequibo will be undertaken by M. Sukhai Contracting Services and will benefit 2,000 acres of rice land by improving drainage within the area.
The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) also inked four contracts valued over $68 million for the construction of a drying facility at Black Bush Polder, a concrete drying floor at Benab Corentyne and the construction of two drying floors at Cane Grove Region Four and DeeHoop, Region Five.
The Guyana Marketing Cooperation (GMC) inked a contract valued over $22 million for the construction of an agro processing facility at Fort Wellington, Region Five.
Minister Mustapha urged contractors to ensure works are carried out according to specifications and that they stick to the allocated contract time.