Forensic audit launched into rehabilitation works at Leguan Stelling

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, has announced that the Guyana Audit Office has launched a forensic audit into contractual rehabilitation works on the Leguan Stelling.

Minister Edghill revealed that there are indications of contractual mismanagement. The project, which was awarded in 2018, was initially to be completed in six months but was halted not long after works began due to several issues.

It was initially restarted in late 2019, but halted yet again.

The Public Works Minister conveyed that he had engaged the Transport and Harbours Department, the supervisory consultant and the contractor for the project to find the solution to completing the project soonest.

He indicated that poor communication was the reason for the delay.

“One of the factors that caused significant delays is the inability of the Transport and Harbours Department and the contractor to reconcile on one simple item in the contract; salvageable material,” Minister Edghill explained in a recent press conference.

It was further explained that this was because, at the time when the two parties made the contract, it was envisaged that whatever materials that could have been reused should have been. That later became an issue and stalled the progress of the works. 

Following the deliberations, thus far, there is evidence that works have recommenced as of August 13, 2020.

Minister Edghill maintained that the forensic audit will be conducted to ensure the residents can benefit from the project.