Georgetown, Guyana — Concerns over corruption within Guyana’s procurement system continue to mount, with mounting allegations pointing to the Tender Board as a focal point of shady practices. The institution, which is responsible for awarding government contracts, has come under fire for allegedly granting lucrative construction deals to companies and individuals with questionable qualifications and connections, leaving the quality of national infrastructure in a state of disrepair.

Insiders and watchdog groups claim that the Tender Board has repeatedly ignored due process, awarding multi-million dollar contracts to bidders lacking technical expertise or proven track records. In some cases, tenders are reportedly manipulated to favour pre-selected contractors, raising red flags over transparency and fairness.

“This is a matter of national importance,” said a source within the construction sector who requested anonymity. “We’ve seen tenders awarded to fly-by-night companies, sometimes with no staff or equipment. They win because of who they know, not what they can do.”

The result has been a spate of poorly executed public works projects. From crumbling roads to incomplete school buildings and substandard drainage systems, many of these initiatives fail to meet even the most basic engineering standards. Citizens in regions across the country have voiced frustration over shoddy workmanship and projects that seem to fall apart within months of completion.

A recent example involves a school renovation in Region Four that was plagued by structural issues less than a year after the project’s handover. Investigations revealed that the contractor, who was relatively unknown before landing the deal, lacked the necessary qualifications but still secured the contract over more experienced competitors.

The Public Procurement Commission, which was established to provide oversight, has faced criticism for its limited effectiveness and slow response to complaints. Calls are growing louder for systemic reform and greater accountability.

“This system is broken,” said social commentator Dr. Lennox Holder. “Without real transparency and enforcement, corruption will continue to eat away at our national development goals.”

As Guyana continues to benefit from growing oil revenues, there is increased pressure to ensure that public funds are spent wisely. Citizens are demanding tighter regulations, proper vetting of bidders, and independent audits of contract awards. Until then, the Tender Board remains a symbol of a wider problem — where political influence and backdoor deals threaten to undermine the nation’s progress.