Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and former General Manager of the Demerara Harbor Bridge, Rawlston Adams were the latest persons to be hauled before the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). He was charged for attempting the Demerara Harbor Bridge Company.
Patterson and Adams were called in to be questioned about their involvement in the award of a contract for the feasibility study and design of the new Demerara River Bridge.
Patterson did not speak to the media after exiting the law enforcement head quarters, but his lawyer spoke on matters relating to the West Indies Cricket.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, under the leadership of David Patterson, sole sourced LievenseCSO to conduct the feasibility study.
On Wednesday last, the matter came up for discussion before the Public Accounts Committee. It was revealed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud that some22 companies submitted expression of interest for the study, but only 12 were shortlisted. Out of the lot, only two submitted proposal and one had the technical capabilities to do the study.
He further noted that the company did not meet the requirements as set out by the Government. The company was not chosen.
The PS further noted that the David Granger Government did not re-tender the contract but went to sole sourcing. LievenseCSO was eventually chosen and approval was granted after Patterson took the matter to Cabinet.
