Consultants absent | Gov’t appeals for more locals to bid on contracts
Local consultants appear to be ‘missing in action’ in the bidding process of government contracts.
The Ministry of Finance is appealing for more local contractors to participate in the various bidding processes for government contracts being issued under the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan programme.
The ministry made the appeal following a miserable local response to a request for consultancy services for government’s water system rehabilitation project.
Only a single contractor bid on the project, the government reported.
“It was a little disappointing that we had one submission,” said Deputy Financial Secretary, Alva McCall.
McCall said there are several other tendering processes to come and she hopes to see more locals respond this time ’round.
“Some of the projects are open for international tendering, so there is some level of competition. But, I think it would be beneficial to a lot of persons in the territory if they were to get involved in the process – whether individually or by joint venture – to be able to bid on some of these consultancies,” she said.
The water system rehabilitation project
Meanwhile, government’s water system rehabilitation project includes replacing reservoirs in a number of Tortola communities such as Carrot Bay, Long Bush, and Zion Hill.
The successful bidder for that project will further be required to supply, install, and replace water meters across sections of the territory.
“The project will also include assistance in auditing treated water transmission lines, distribution networks, storage structures, and other parts of the system from source to consumer,” government said in a media release this week.
Another poor response
Government had also requested consultancy services for yearly audits to be done on projects that will happen under the CDB’s rehabilitation and reconstruction loan.
That tendering process closed recently and also received a dismal response from local contractors, government said.
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Hire “not local” so it’s done properly! More education, qualified people & experience off island.
That’s what happens when you make it unattractive to do business in BVI. Nobody wants to deal with your government BS and all the negative attitudes towards expats. Most Locals aren’t qualified or have other things related to the recovery they must do. Bye BVI, it was nice knowing you before! SMH
Trust me ..the locals with the knowledge get the same treatment as Expatriates because every body wants you to do good – but not better than them!!!
The people don’t know they want…
You are a jerk cw!
But yet by some magical moment everyone expects locals to get thr jobs they dont apply or bid for. Line up the excuses in 3….2…1…
The challenge is that the process is so onerous and requires so much red tape, that it is not worth it to “local companies”. To ultimately only profit 7-10% on a project? Nah.
And to Really (above), you are clearly ignorant. Our local companies have built this country for decades, doing quality work with qualified and educated people. Stop insinuating BS. If you don’t know the industry then STHU!
If it is an area where we do not have expertise, then by all means lets get expertise from outside, pair it with a local company and get the job done. Pass that expertise on to the local who can then handle the next project that arises.
Keep our very limited funds HERE! Circulating in our economy!
LB, you obviously don’t know what you are talking about. There are no qualified contractors on the island. Perhaps for minor repairs but not for major work. The so-called contractors cannot read a proper set of plans or follow specifications. The construction methods the local contractors use are archaic at best. The construction labor force on the island is a group of uneducated useless people. The only way anything will be accomplished is if foreign contractors and labor is brought in.
Are you for real? If Irma had hit most of these ‘foreign’ places that you say ‘good’ contractors come from they would’ve been obliterated!!! We got a lot of damage but a lot of our LOCALLY BUILT buildings stood up pretty well to 260mph winds! We have many good local contractors here but sadly most of them do not want to get caught up in this political kickback nonsense, especially at a time when there’s a lot of lucrative private work going on. I wish them luck with this shit. LB is right, nobody will go through the hassle for those measly profits and over the top requirements.
That “red tape” is what protects you, us, from crappy work done by so called contractors. We continue to fail by keep lowering our standards and then complain why there are no qualified contractors. CONTRACTORS, STEP UP YOUR GAME AND HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS!IT IS YOURS TO LOSE.
Unbelievable
They all running now because the rules have changed, no more overinflated costs by the millions without value and accountability. The easy streak to riches from these loans and gov’t treasury has come to an abrupt halt. Now procedures and protocols have to be followed and most don’t care for that level of transparency and accountability. Very disappointing to witness how excessive greed and easy money to riches off of taxpayers back over the years have landed us to this present debilitating state of affairs. It is not that our people are not capable of accomplishing the tasks at hand with integrity and value; we just as a people didnot demanded much, and now here we are. We don’t even want to join forces (contractors/consultants) among ourselves to take these projects on, too much greed has overtaken us. Let’s get it together people: create joint partnerships, source the required expertise to strengthen where we maybe weak/lacking and “leh we do tis ting.” This is our country and we must take the lead now more than ever before we all end up sitting in the back- wondering what happened to us. This is the time to reset and start doing the right things for all of us to succeed, and not just a selected few. Come on People- we have it in us. We are Blessed. Step-up!
Obviously the truth isn’t wanted!!!!!
This NDP lack of transparency and accountability has made the thresh hold for bidding for projects so high that it is almost impossible to qualify.
They all seem to be running now because the rules have changed, no more overinflated costs by the millions without value and accountability. The easy streak to riches from these loans and gov’t treasury has come to an abrupt halt. Now procedures and protocols have to be followed and most don’t care for that level of transparency and accountability. Very disappointing to witness how excessive greed and easy money to riches off of taxpayers back over the years have landed us to this present debilitating state of affairs.
It is not that our people are not capable of accomplishing the tasks at hand with integrity and value; we just as a people didnot demanded much, and now here we are. We don’t even want to join forces (contractors/consultants) among ourselves to take these projects on, too much greed has overtaken us.
Let’s get it together people: create joint-partnerships, source the required expertise to strengthen where we maybe weak/lacking and “leh we do tis ting.”
This is our country and we must take the lead now more than ever before we all end up sitting in the back- wondering what happened to us. This is the time to reset and start doing the right things for all of us to succeed, and not just a selected few.
Come on People- we have it in us. Step-up People! Let’s rebuild our country the right and sustainable way.
Blessed.
“Too late shall be our cry…”
F^#% dat and free up di blogs. I waa giv dat ‘allege’ pedophile a piece of my f#%#@ing mind
Free d blogs-castrate the pedophile-
I know a few locals that would absolutely love to get their claws on that and every contract especially while NDP still in power.
Every single thing comes down to closed shop, not enough people and skill available and then the common denominator limiting us as it always has: trade licences and work permits.
Contractors have other places they can go an make money and get things done. Here it has always been politically meddled along with associated underhand payments required (every cent of which is owed to the BVI treasury).
In other small places after disasters, a streamlined system is put in place to get the proper skill and the numbers required on the ground quickly and local participation then occurs as well as upskilling the local workforce. This all creates economic growth and opportunity. Over time there will be a natural reduction in the skilled foreign contractors as the remdial works are done but with a progressive framework, the economic boost provides plenty of futures work for the local contractors that remain.
To anyone who says building standards here are acceptable or properly enforced, you are just plain wrong. Sure, the odd building here and there is built well but they are in the minority and rarely built without outside influences or help. While swathes of our town were built with substandard materials and with no skill or knowledge.you only have to look at designs- even people not trained in construction can tell clearly that no skilled architect or tradesman has been near most of the properties. Things put in the wrong places, upside down, all sorts. Things nailed in when they should be screwed or bolted. BUT
This is not the time to bash with no point. The point is, we have a choice now to rebuild well and to seize the opportunity not just for the few or the already wealthy but for our untapped youth potential and current tradesman and entrepreneurs.
This is a great leap.Please try and hire and give the project(s) to people who really know about the job, technocrats no matter where they come from . The successful contractor should have a good qualification and experience in construction based on previous job done ( evidence-based), plan and know how to select appropriate materials for the job to be done. It is sad that water pipes burst almost every week,
water pump breaks down graded roads at high cost break down after wind blowing over it or just a light shower ,not a heavy rainfall. This will save the country of wasting taxpayers money on fixing or redoing.
God will help the country to select appropriately and in the rebuilding exercise generally.
I am no expert on this but clearly there are some valid points here to consider. Thanks for the acknowledgement that not enough locals are bidding. Now figure out why and address that. I would really like to know if it is a lack in capability or a lack in desire to work with the govt and the CBD Rehab programme. Or both. Whatever it is, we NEED to solve the issues. On island training/vocational education programs should be implemented immediately. Us locals need access to that skills trades training. If we can’t handle that right now then by all means bring in the experts! I’m tired of sub-standard infrastructure!! T-I-R-E-D of it!