Gov't subcontract issuing fair - IMAJ

The Incorporated Master-builders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has made clear it has complete faith in the current process for issuing subcontracts related to government projects across the island.

In a recent release responding to public outcry about the awarding of contracts for local roadworks, the IMAJ said it supported the right of the Jamaican public to ask and receive explanations for any decision taken in connection with government expenditure.

But while stating that it was fully behind the existing procurement guidelines for the construction industry, the IMAJ said contractors must be allowed to run their businesses which include the procurement of services.

Noting that such services include labour, subcontracting, sourcing material, use of equipment and haulage, the association stressed that "this is the sole purview of the contractor".

contractors should decide

The IMAJ said it believed contractors, including China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd - which is responsible for the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) - should have the right to decide how contracts received through a legitimate procurement process should be executed.

JDIP has faced intense scrutiny over a perceived political bias in the choices of companies given multibillion-dollar subcontracts under the project.

But stating it was instrumental in having JDIP opened to local sub-contractors, the IMAJ said: "We believe that this will allow greater retention of the economic impact of foreign investments and loans in Jamaica and improve international best practices in the construction sector."

The association added: "We, therefore, do not see that it is necessary at this time for international best practice in contract administration to be altered."