Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has noted with concern the recent public statements and allegations seeking to cast doubt on the integrity of the procurement processes through which several critical national water infrastructure projects were awarded. GWI categorically rejects any suggestion that the corporation has engaged in, facilitated or condoned corrupt practices in the execution of its mandate. Such assertions are not only false but undermine the professionalism of the engineers, technical personnel, procurement authorities and development partners who have and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every project undertaken delivers value for money and benefits to the people of Guyana.

The contract for the construction of three large water treatment plants, commonly referred to as Lot 3, was awarded through an international competitive bidding process which attracted nine bidders. Sigma Engineers Ltd. emerged as the successful bidder with a bid of approximately $3.6 billion, competing against bids of approximately $3.9 billion, $4.28 billion, $4.4 billion, $4.6 billion, $5.1 billion, $5.5 billion, $5.7 billion and $7.0 billion. These figures demonstrate the competitiveness of the process and clearly dispel any notion that the contract was awarded outside of an open and transparent procurement framework. As a matter of fact Lots 2 & 3 comprising 2 treatment plants each, were awarded to other international companies namely Hi-Pro Ecologicos SA (Mexico) and Toshiba Water Solutions (Japan).

Similarly, the Hope Surface Water Treatment Plant was procured through an international competitive bidding process involving six bidders. Sigma Engineers Ltd. was the lowest priced bidder among 5 responsive bidders. The other company was deemed non-responsive since it never built large water treatment plants including surface water treatment plants.