Maputo, 26 Feb (AIM) – The Association of Building Contractors in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado has accused the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) of “systematically disadvantaging local contractors in favor of foreign companies” in the use of funds made available for the rehabilitation of public infrastructures destroyed by cyclones in 2019.
According to a letter unveiled by the Association, “it is unacceptable that the UNDP in Pemba (the Cabo Delgado provincial capital) operates in an opaque and manipulated manner by a trio on the evaluation committee, which systematically disadvantages local contractors in favor of external companies. Even when contractors try to use established channels, the trio exerts control over them, undermining any possibility of fair competition.”
The Association has demanded an urgent and impartial investigation into the UNDP’s practices in Pemba.
“We demand transparency and accountability in awarding contracts, including rigorous evaluation of the companies selected and ensuring that they meet the necessary technical and legal requirements”, reads the letter.
“Following recent discriminatory and prejudicial practices towards local contractors in Cabo Delgado by the UNDP, we feel compelled to make a public denunciation. The UNDP, with its criteria and objectives designed to contribute to the human development and growth of the country, is failing to apply these principles in Cabo Delgado. We have identified a worrying lack of transparency and fairness in contract award processes, especially in the recent water supply tenders in the region”, the Association said.
Regarding water supply tenders in Quissanga district, the Association claims that they were awarded to a single company based in Maputo, even though it had the highest prices and no proven track record of experience in works of similar complexity in Mozambique.
“In Macomia district we observe the same situation, where a company that won two lots is favored. This same company was favored in previous rehabilitations, resulting in inflated and unjustified costs”, the contractors claimed.
The Association argued that local contractors are essential for the sustainable economic development of Cabo Delgado.
“We demand justice and equal opportunities for all contractors in Cabo Delgado Province, who have suffered greatly since 2017 due to the insurgency. We will continue to closely monitor this situation and fight for the interests of Cabo Delgado’s contractors”, reads the document, adding “we are available to provide any additional information required and to co-operate fully with any subsequent investigation.”
(AIM)
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