Non-compliance to PPA result in shoddy work

21-01-14       

The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme says non-compliance coupled organisational weaknesses in the public procurement system were the basis for the execution of shoddy work by contractors. He observed that contract execution especially government funded projects are not properly monitored and supervised. This he explained give room for contractors to do poor quality works. The trend, he noted was in contravention of the guidelines set out in the Public Procurement Act 2003 (PPA). Mr Syme however advocated rigorous vetting procedures in the award of contracts. This way, contractors known for shoddy works will be exposed and side-lined. Mr Syme was reacting to concerns by media practitioners at a Social Accountability Network meeting in Bolgatanga. The meeting among other interventions things discussed ensuring prudent utilisation of public funds and resources. It also sought to empower citizens, particularly the media, to hold duty bearers accountable for their stewardship. It was organised by the Social Accountability Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with support from the Upper East Social Accountability Network. Mr Syme who was officially introduced to members of the network called for a paradigm shift in the award of contracts and expressed his office’s resolve to hold contractors accountable for any shoddy work done. Contracts, he said will be awarded equitably at the regional and district level with exception of projects beyond their control. The Deputy Regional Minister entreated the media to play their watch dog role by following events in the execution of projects. He also challenged them to design programmes that will create the needed awareness for people to get involve in project execution. He urged community leaders including chiefs and assembly members to get involve in ensuring that projects are monitored and followed to their final completion. The Regional Director for GBC URA Radio, Asibi Banguu Ekellah, admonished the media to create the needed working relation with duty bearers and not subject them to forms of harassment in their quest to demand answers from them. She advised members of the network to work closely by exposing the ills of society.

GBC                                                             END                                                     IA/