Devant wants probe of $22M outdoor vending facility at Piarco

The $22M outdoor food court at Piarco Airport

Transport Minister Devant Maharaj plans to write the Commission of Police (CoP) and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan Wednesday seeking an investigation into the cost of construction of outdoor vending booths at the Piarco International Airport.

The facility comprises six vending booths, a taxi booth and a public washroom.

Maharaj told reporters Tuesday he an internal audit has found that there were questionable and corrupt practices in the project, which was started during the Manning People's National Movement (PNM) administration.

The minister said the project was estimated to cost $15 million but ended up at $22 million. He also noted that it was supposed to be completed in six months but took two years to complete.

The Express newspaper reported Wednesday that it obtained a copy of the internal audit, which it said cited "a number of discrepancies including major cost overruns for the construction of the roof and walkway—which doubled in its estimated costs".

The paper said the contractor was paid $17 million although the company missed the completion deadline. In addition, the contractor was awarded additional work and paid.

Fittings and fixtures cost $364,000 and kitchen and toilet equipment cost $244,000. The report raised questions with respect to these costs, pointing out that a chair cost $2,000. The auditors also reported that they were unable to find a contract.