The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has brought a sudden halt to its $3.4 billion Design-Build-Finance (DBF) housing program, citing it as ‘in the public interest’. The decision abruptly ends the contentious Portfolio 1 project, which had previously allocated over $3 billion in contracts to 11 construction firms.
The Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) had ordered a suspension of the project in April amid concerns over compliance, transparency, and procurement procedures. Adding fuel to the fire, attorney Randall Mitchell lodged a formal complaint on behalf of activist Wendell Eversley, raising further doubts about the fairness and integrity of the tendering process.
The complaint sparked a national political debate, with the Opposition PNM voicing concerns over the process and alleging irregularities. Meanwhile, Government officials defended the initiative, portraying it as an innovative and legitimate housing solution.
Despite the standstill period having expired and no contracts being signed, the OPR has yet to unveil its findings. Similarly, the HDC has not announced whether the project will be restructured or re-tendered, leaving many in suspense about the future of the housing program.
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