What appears to be a clandestine deal intended to manipulate the kakata streets grading project in Margibi County has sparked up disenchantment between some members of the County Legislative Caucus and the office of the County Superintendent.
According to information gathered, about six Liberian construction companies bidded for the Kakata project including the Monrovia Developer Management Corporation (MDMC) last years, but five of the companies were reportedly denied due to the interest some members of the County Legislative Caucus and the county administration have in the MDMC that was awarded the contract.
Sources in Margibi also narrated that the rejection of two of the bidders- Veldina and NGC Construction Companies was not due to lack of technical capacity, but because of specific interests the county administration has in the management of MDMC of Mr. John Youboty.
The sources also said the two companies were said to be the least bidders in the county, claiming that the MDMC offered a huge kickback of US$ 50,000 to the County authority.
A close source to the office of the Superintendent told the In Profile that MDMC management last week provided US$ 50,000 to the county authority for awarding the Kakata project to it.
However, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) said it has not received any complaint from the bidders; hence it could not comment on the issue.
Sources further said the Superintendent of Margibi County, John Buway, was the custodian and distributor of the US$50,000 to members of the Legislative Caucus.
However, one of member of the caucus, Representative Ben A. Fofana of District Four has denied ever receiving money from the office of the superintendent, and that he was not aware of awarding the Kakata road rehabilitation project to MDMC.
Representative Fofana said it can be recalled that last year, Superintendent Buway brought a projection figure in a meeting at the Capital building for several projects including the Kakata project and was ordered to go and make specifics for discussions, noting that since then he (superintendent) has not met with anyone to discuss about awarding a contract to MDMC.
“In fact, MDMC defaulted the Laykayta Township feeder road rehabilitation, therefore I will oppose any contract given to the company in the county,” Representative Fofana said.
He disbelieved that the caucus is aware of the contract awarded to MDMC, but one of Margibi County Representatives, Emmanuel Nuquoi, said although he knows about the Kakata rehabilitation contract, he is not aware whether it has been awarded to MDMC.
When contacted, Margibi County Superintendent Buway said every member of the caucus is aware of MDMC winning the contract including Representative Fofana.
Superintendent Buway said he has in his possession, documents indicating that Representative Fofana is aware that the Kakata contract has been awarded to MDMC.
According to documents available to the In Profile Daily, the Kakata rehabilitation project is 1.2 million dollars but was reduced to a little over one million dollars.
The Laykayta Township feeder road project reportedly costs US$167,801.33 and was awarded to MDMC in 2009, but up to present, the project is said to be at a standstill in the county.
MDMC Manager Youboty, when contacted, referred the reporter to Margibi County authority noting, “as far as I’m concerned, the contract has been awarded to my company”. Investigation continues.
