PM calls on CoP to probe the removal of the OAS contract clause which cost T&T $852 million

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PM calls on CoP to probe the removal of the OAS contract clause which cost T&T $852 million

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is calling on the Commissioner of Police to go into the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) to find out under whose authority its contract with Brazilian construction firm Constructora OAS SA (OAS) to build the San Fernando to Point Fortin highway was amended.

He says the amendment was made three days before the general election in 2015 and ultimately cost the State $852 million after an arbitration loss to the contractor in March, this year.

Speaking at a People’s National Movement meeting in Arima last night, Dr Rowley launched a scathing attack against Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saying three days before the United National Congress lost the 2015 election, an addendum was added to OAS’s contract with the National Infrastructure Development Corporation (Nidco) which robbed the country of money when the Brazilian firm became bankrupt.

He said when the PNM won the elections on September 7, 2015 and got into office, it went to the court in a bid to get the addendum declared null and void.

However, he noted that recently, a ruling from the tribunal has now mandated Nidco to pay OAS a total of US$126 million (TT$852 million).

The Prime Minister said the contractor is now seeking arbitration.

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