Dear Editor,
I write in response to a report in last Thursday's edition of the Jamaica Observer entitled, "JDIP contractors paid -- Davies", which as far as I am concerned is totally misleading.
Contrary to the scenario presented in said report, it is important to note that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) can only make payments to local contractors upon the presentation of project certificates approved by the National Works Agency (NWA), the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) and the Ministry of Transport and Works (MOTW). In addition to that, all requests must be accompanied by the Government's contractual obligation to pay a fee of 15 per cent on all contracts undertaken by local contractors. China Harbour cannot and will not forward any request to China Ex-Im Bank for payment unless all documentation from the NWA is properly presented along with the 15 per cent fee.
It logically follows therefore, that delays in executing payment to local contractors are due to tardiness on the part of the NWA, RMF and the MOTW in furnishing the requisite information and payment of the 15 per cent in a timely manner, as required, pursuant to the arrangement.
Indeed, China Harbour has been very helpful to the process by undertaking to discharge advance payments provided that the Ex-Im Bank of China accepts the documentation. This avoids having to wait until the actual payment is received from China Ex-Im Bank, thereby averting undue delays and inconvenience to contractors.
Against this background, it is extremely unfair, if not disingenuous, for Minister Davies to suggest that any delay in payments to contractors engaged in the execution of works is due to tardiness or inaction on the part of China Harbour when, in fact, the fault really lies in his own shop and that of the Ministry of Finance, which has not been discharging its 15-per cent payment obligation on a timely basis.
And if all of this were not bad enough, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) has got stuck. That is to say, it is highly unlikely that any new projects will be undertaken under the JEEP in 2013. The MOTW is operating on a shoestring budget, devoid of any funding to finance the start of any JEEP projects.
In addition, the ministry is strapped for funds to undertake any routine maintenance of roads, gullies or drains in any meaningful manner. And amid this absence of routine maintenance work, no new projects can be undertaken until the existing JDIP projects have been completed.
The public should note with interest that the contract for the widely celebrated successor programme to JDIP, the National Development Infrastructure Programme (NDIP) has not been signed, and is unlikely to be signed this calendar year.
The minister would be advised and encouraged to take greater care in proving updates and other forms of information to the public, while monitoring closely developments within his purview so that the State apparatus can function in a seamless, efficient and effective manner.
Karl Samuda, CD, MP
Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Works & Infrastructure Development
Stop playing the blame-game, minister
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I write in response to a report in last Thursday's edition of the Jamaica Observer entitled, "JDIP contractors paid -- Davies", which as far as I am concerned is totally misleading.
Contrary to the scenario presented in said report, it is important to note that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) can only make payments to local contractors upon the presentation of project certificates approved by the National Works Agency (NWA), the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) and the Ministry of Transport and Works (MOTW). In addition to that, all requests must be accompanied by the Government's contractual obligation to pay a fee of 15 per cent on all contracts undertaken by local contractors. China Harbour cannot and will not forward any request to China Ex-Im Bank for payment unless all documentation from the NWA is properly presented along with the 15 per cent fee.
It logically follows therefore, that delays in executing payment to local contractors are due to tardiness on the part of the NWA, RMF and the MOTW in furnishing the requisite information and payment of the 15 per cent in a timely manner, as required, pursuant to the arrangement.
Indeed, China Harbour has been very helpful to the process by undertaking to discharge advance payments provided that the Ex-Im Bank of China accepts the documentation. This avoids having to wait until the actual payment is received from China Ex-Im Bank, thereby averting undue delays and inconvenience to contractors.
Against this background, it is extremely unfair, if not disingenuous, for Minister Davies to suggest that any delay in payments to contractors engaged in the execution of works is due to tardiness or inaction on the part of China Harbour when, in fact, the fault really lies in his own shop and that of the Ministry of Finance, which has not been discharging its 15-per cent payment obligation on a timely basis.
And if all of this were not bad enough, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) has got stuck. That is to say, it is highly unlikely that any new projects will be undertaken under the JEEP in 2013. The MOTW is operating on a shoestring budget, devoid of any funding to finance the start of any JEEP projects.
In addition, the ministry is strapped for funds to undertake any routine maintenance of roads, gullies or drains in any meaningful manner. And amid this absence of routine maintenance work, no new projects can be undertaken until the existing JDIP projects have been completed.
The public should note with interest that the contract for the widely celebrated successor programme to JDIP, the National Development Infrastructure Programme (NDIP) has not been signed, and is unlikely to be signed this calendar year.
The minister would be advised and encouraged to take greater care in proving updates and other forms of information to the public, while monitoring closely developments within his purview so that the State apparatus can function in a seamless, efficient and effective manner.
Karl Samuda, CD, MP
Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Works & Infrastructure Development
Stop playing the blame-game, minister
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