By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

With reference to a fake audio message making the rounds on social media in a bid to bring down the long-good hard worked reputation of the management of Guma Valley Water Company, (GVWC) has refuted the erroneous claims made by a certain online radio station.

The not well-known radio on internet, Radio Kopoyoh, on a program on December 1, 2023 claimed that Guma staff are awarding government contracts to companies owned by them.

An audio of the podcast was widely believed to be seen on social media. And as a result of its damaging content on Guma’s management, the country’s public water company, in a response, denied such allegations as “very untrue”.

In a public statement dated December 2nd, 2023, by Guma clarifies to the public that: “contracts are awarded on merit after due diligence…for further information, please contact the project coordinator on +23278852108.”

In an exclusive interview, the management of Guma Valley told Africa24 newspaper the bidding, procurement process was a recent water project in Freetown and its environs.

Guma’s management revealed that the Plant, Design and Supply Installation and Distribution system on the said project was specifically done by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

They added that, the bidding was dually advertised on local newspapers and radio stations, according to expected procedures, and that the whole process has the full blessings of Guma’s donor partners: AfDB, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Water Resources and other line Ministries.

Out of 27 bidders, the water company said, only four were able to meet the requirements set out, and among the four lots, three Sierra Leonean companies were qualified and one international chain company was able to meet the requirements based on their outstanding track-records across the globe.

Speaking to some of the bidders who were reached out to over their evaluations of AfDB, the bidders said, they were delighted to be part of the process though they were unable to meet the key requirements needed for the job.

But they however, stressed the fact that Guma Valley Water Company deeply respects the local content policy in the country.

“Many are called; few are chosen. We would apply when it is deemed necessary again,” they promised.

Meanwhile, the “false and ploy” strategy by some aggressive persons to tarnish the hardwork of the company is seen by many as a puerile behaviour.

Guma Management believes that contracts are awarded based on merits and after due diligence in the procurement process.

However, bidders further expressed appreciations while hopefully believe that they would meet the bidding requirements of AfDB and other donor partners when similar future opportunity arises.