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From: OKWE OBI, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources was, on Wednesday, thrown into
pandemonium as prospective contractors bemoan the approach used in the
submission of contract proposals.
The approach, Daily Sun learnt, was the under-hand dealings by some
officials who were earmarked to supervise the exercise.
Those who spoke with the Daily Sun in confidence, said they came very early
to submit proposals for the supply of basic things ranging from solar
installation, pipes and electrical appliances but the situation took a
different twist as officials in the ministry compromised the process.
Those who could not tolerate the practices started protesting; even
the security operatives who were also tapped to oversee the process
could not tame the ugly scenario as they were also seen assisting
their relations.
One of the visibly angry contractors told Daily Sun that he was yet to
submit his file after spending more than four hours in the queue.
“I just don’t understand what this people are doing. The deadline for
the exercise is 12:00 noon. Look at the crowd that came for the exercise.
And the process is very slow. How do they expect people to submit
proposal with just five stands? The only way people can fully
participate is when the department in charge of the exercise increase
the stand.” he said.
Mary Anthony who had sustained an injury as a result of crowd
complained of the time frame. She also alleged that the security
operatives were collecting money from people for assistance.
“If I had money I would have submitted my file. These people are
collecting money; and the crowd is too much for the time frame.” She
said. Over 500 contractors participated in the exercise.
Effort to get the insight of the Director of Information proved futile.
