THE EDITOR, Sir:
COST OVERRUN is a fault of either the government policy or the officer in charge of the tender per se.
There is a common belief that the Government accepts in 90 per cent of tenders - the lowest tender - paving the way for the skulduggery involved and the matter of overrun being born.
As a previous electrical contractor to the Government - believe me - I can bring proof, if anyone cares to demand it, that the system is rotten and the contractor, if dishonest, and in collusion with the officer in charge of the tender and project, also knows that there has to be an overrun because from day one, the Government Department or officer in charge knows that the lowest tender cannot do the job. Hence, the eventual overrun and perks (or sore foot as it is called in the criminal world).
Criminality, corruption, deception and cruelty, has always been the hallmark of all of us, but it's clear to other people (foreigners for instance) that we are hiding our heads in the sand.
Wake up, people, and pay more attention to your tax dollars. As I see it, we are all on our way down - down to hell and back - but back to where?
I am, etc.,
RONEY C. HAMILTON
Walderston, Manchester
