Team to review JDIP findings

Debbie- Ann Wright, News Editor
The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre

Transport and Works Minister, Dr Omar Davies, today tabled the audit report on the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) saying it highlights the previous administration’s wanton disregard for procurement guidelines.

Dr Davies said the previous administration had failed to stick to the original spending plan, using most of the funds before the projected timeline.

And he said though the agreement was for grade one contractors to be hired as sub-contractors on the project, the National Works Agency (NWA) had also selected grades two and three contractors.

In addition, Dr Davies said the NWA had misused the clause regarding spending on institutional spending in order to circumvent procurement procedures.

While acknowledging there were areas of mismanagement, Opposition Spokesman on transport and works, Karl Samuda, said the findings have shown there was no wrongdoing on the part of the previous administration.

Meanwhile, Dr Davies says a team has been assembled to review the audit and make recommendations.

debbie-ann.wright@gleanerjm.com