Liberia: Minister McGill Jones Clarifies ‘Deceptive Info’ About Alleged Battle of Curiosity
Monrovia, Liberia, – Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Bill McGill Jones, has clarified allegations of self-dealing within the awarding of two contracts for structural evaluation and renovation of the MFDP Complex valued at U$244,000 and U$78,000 respectively.
By Willie N. Tokpah
Minister McGill Jones described the accusations as false, deceptive, and a calculated try and tarnish his popularity.
His readability comes after data surfaced on social media that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning was embroiled in controversy, following the acquisition of a “questionable U$244,000 and U$78,000” contract for portray and structural evaluation.
However, offering readability to FrontPage Africa on Monday, December 30, Minister Jones affirmed that the procurement course of was carried out transparently and in full compliance with Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Law, emphasizing that the duty for evaluating and awarding contracts lies inside an unbiased Bid Evaluation Panel, and stating that senior officers of the Ministry are usually not members of this analysis workforce.
“This process was conducted transparently, following all procurement policies and guidelines,” Minister Jones acknowledged. “The Bid Evaluation Panel was responsible for reviewing bids, and all processes were in line with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act.”
Minister Jones emphasised that neither he nor Assistant Minister Paul Lamin had any affect over the choice course of and categorically denied having any possession curiosity within the firms awarded the contracts.
“The claims that my biological brother own one of the companies are completely false and unfounded,” Minister Jones asserted. “Knowing someone associated with a company is not a conflict of interest, as the law does not disqualify a company based on associations or acquaintance.”
Following unbiased evaluate of the paperwork associated to the contracts, it was noticed that the bid analysis panel comprising of six workers of the MFDP representing completely different departments and the workplace of the Minister signed recommending the 2 firms (Brothers Engineering and Consultancy (BEC) and Elite Contractors & Global Services) as essentially the most responsive bidders. Thus, requesting no objection from the procurement committee.
It was additionally noticed that eight (8) firms bided for the renovation, exterior, and inside portray of the MFDP constructing. Of the 8 firms, the Bid Opening Committee reviewed all submissions and solely three (8) superior to the ultimate phases of the analysis primarily based on inaccurate submissions like lack of bid safety, enterprise registration, and article of incorporation amongst others as stipulated within the bid doc. Of these three, Elite Contractors & Global Services had the least quantity in its monetary proposal (US$244,441) evaluate to Innovative Architects (US$269, 496) & Engineers Incorporated, and Brooklyn Group of Companies (US$352, 515).
On the difficulty of structural evaluation, Minister Jones defined that it was senior administration’s resolution to conduct an evaluation on structural integrity of the MFDP constructing, contemplating a number of challenges. The evaluation seeks to do the next:
1.Structural evaluation: Carry out a visible evaluation on the prevailing structural integrity of the constructing, together with load-bearing parts equivalent to columns and beams for defects.
2.Non- structural Interior and Exterior Elements: Assess non-structural parts equivalent to present partitions, facades, and finishes for indicators of damage, harm, or insufficient efficiency.
3.Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Systems Assessments: Assess the situation efficiency of mechanical methods, together with Heating air flow, and Air-conditioning (HVAC). Assess electrical methods for security and performance. Assess plumbing methods for leaks, blockages, and total effectivity.
4.Safety and Compliance: Assess the prevailing native security laws, fireplace codes, and accessibility. Assess emergency egress route and fireplace safety methods.
5.Environment Assessment: Document any potential atmosphere hazards, equivalent to asbestos, lead paints, or mildew. Assess the constructing’s vitality effectivity and compliance with sustainability requirements, if doable.
It was additionally noticed, after reviewing procurement doc associated to the structural evaluation that three firms bided whereas solely two superior to the ultimate phases of the analysis. Of the 2, BEC bided at U$78,000 whereas Bezaleel +Turnkey Contractors Incorporated bided at U$133,000.
Minister Jones reiterated that the procurement course of adhered to all authorized necessities, with oversight mechanisms in place to make sure accountability. The PPCA requires aggressive bidding and prohibits conflicts of curiosity, and Minister Jones assured the general public that these requirements had been upheld. Nevertheless, the accusations are a part of a smear marketing campaign, fueled by misinformation and propagated by social media and different platforms.
“This is blackmail and propaganda,” he stated. “We have done nothing wrong and remain committed to transparency and good governance.”
