The 2022 Auditor General’s report has exposed several discrepancies in the construction of a primary school at Oronoque, Port Kaituma. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) had awarded the contract at a sum of $24.668M to the contractor who was not named. As of December 31, 2022, the report said $19.734M had been disbursed to the contractor with very poor works to show.
An audit of payment vouchers and supporting documents raised significant concerns as details regarding the signing of the contract, its duration, and the defects liability period could not be determined.
Furthermore, a physical verification conducted on July 14, 2023, revealed an abandoned site with incomplete works. In addition, inspections, measurements, and calculations disclosed an overstatement of $10.557M, indicating serious financial discrepancies.
Sub-standard works were also identified, particularly in the construction of the 6-inch kerb wall. Blocks were observed to be unevenly laid, and the block work for the fill material and floor slab was poorly executed and out of line, necessitating adjustments.
In response to the highlighted discrepancies, the Regional Administration noted that the contractor is presently rectifying the faulty work, with completion expected in the near future. However, the audit office recommended that the Regional Administration take decisive steps including refraining from certifying payments for incomplete works, with an explicit warning against cutting and holding a cheque. Secondly, the Audit Office ordered that thorough inspections of completed works be done as well as encouraged the rejection of poor quality and sub-standard constructions.
The Audit Office also asked that project delays be meticulously documented, and any extensions of time must be properly substantiated.
