Gov’t to sanction any ‘delinquent’ cement supplier – Jagdeo

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said he received complaints about “delinquent” cement suppliers and the government will sanction any errant supplier.

The Vice President, speaking at his weekly press conference, said that small contractors engaged in road works along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) complained of challenges encountered with cement suppliers. Those challenges include providing smaller quantities of cement and cement with lower-than-needed pounds per square inch (psi).

Psi measures the compressive strength of concrete, which is made from cement. A higher psi means the concrete mixture is stronger.

“That means they are cheaping (out) on the quality of the concrete,” Jagdeo said, explaining that the roads built with concrete that has a lower psi will be less durable.

The Vice President, however, noted that the Ministry of Public Works has been engaged on the matter. The ministry is expected to issue a warning to suppliers soon.

“If it is true, they would lose the right to supply to any government project,” he emphasised.

Jagdeo spoke about this situation as he delved into the government’s major infrastructure plan. According to him, the largest-ever expansion of infrastructure is unfolding in Guyana under the current People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration. And with that, he said, there have been some implementation challenges.