$19M CCTV system still not delivered to MOTP

More than one year after the “emergency” purchase of a $19M CCTV system, the equipment is still to be delivered to the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP). The Ministry is also having difficulties in recovering an overpayment of over $2M and is contemplating calling in the Police.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abena Moore, had revealed during a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee earlier this year that the system was purchased in December 2015 for the National Intelligence Centre.

The PAC heard that the supplier, California-based Company called Moonblink Communications, has declared bankruptcy. The Company was sole-sourced and no performance bond was in place to ensure the contractor fulfil its obligations.

According to the 2016 Auditor General Report, the system, which cost $19.108M, has still not been delivered and neither has the money refunded.

The Ministry explained that the matter was brought to the attention of the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

The Auditor General recommended that follow-up with the supplier with a view to ensuring the items are delivered or the money refunded.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General noted that the Ministry failed to recover the overpayment in the sum of $2.308M. This occurred on seven items in the bill of quantities for erecting the fence and security lights at building E Castellani Compound, the Report noted. The Ministry explained that they are continuing to engage the contractor on this matter with a view to finalising the payment and would take steps to engage the Guyana Police Force on this if it is not resolved.

Another issue flagged by the Auditor General Report was the non-delivery of a $25.768M equipment for a Rice Cereal Plant in Region Two. However, the Ministry explained that the item was delivered but it has not been installed. The Ministry said the authorities are waiting on the land titling and connection of power supply from Guyana Power & Light (GPL) before the commissioning of the Plant.