TT Contractors Association president Glenn Mahabirsingh has a wishlist of three items for the construction industry: contractor registration and licensing; a joint public-private construction planning committee; and a foreign-currency mechanism for publicly funded construction projects.
Speaking at the TT Contractors’ Association 55th Anniversary and Contractor of the Year Awards on Saturday, Mahabirsingh said these recommendations would directly affect the efficient execution of state-financed projects.
“Now that we have new procurement legislation, the association will be renewing its efforts to have contractor licensing and registration become a reality. Contractor registration and licensing would protect individuals and businesses from losing their money to unscrupulous and unqualified contractor and ensure projects are completed safely and effectively.
“It would maintain fair competition; discourage unqualified or unlicensed people from entering the market; and provide the public with the added comfort of knowing that registered contractors would have the necessary bonds and insurances to protect against any liabilities.”
Mahabirsingh urged government to create a committee that brings all construction industry stakeholders together to share information, plan projects, resolve bottlenecks and brainstorm solutions to problems before they become a crisis or cause public outcry.
“We would also like to have a mechanism to facilitate the supply of foreign currency to execute state projects.
"The construction industry certainly welcomes the large number of projects announced in the 2023/204 budget, but to execute these projects in the timeliest and cost-effective way requires timely access to foreign exchange to take advantage of the best prices and better manage the new global supply-chain challenges.”
Mahabirsingh said while the association had been advocating for procurement reform for the last 55 years, it had been cautioned it may live to rue the proclamation of the legislation.
“That caution should remind all stakeholders that the work does not end with the act being proclaimed. We share a responsibility to ensure the goals and spirit of the act are achieved and that its provisions and regulations continue to be improved to the benefit of TT.”
He said contractors must meet the standards and requirements mandated in the act, and their actions, performance and decisions must stand up to scrutiny.
“Once we are providing goods, works or services involving the use of public money, this is fair and welcome scrutiny as we all seek to secure a sustainable future for our country and our children.”
He said the association was thrilled with Clause 27:1 of the act, which says that no later than six weeks after the approval of the national budget, the procuring entity must publish on its website or other electronic format, information on its planned procurement activity for the next 12 months.
He said this will allow contractors to decide what projects they should focus on, what technology or equip
