Super Industrial Services (SIS) Thread.

[Jah Gol]

$232m CONTRACT FOR SIS
Originally printed at http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_232m_CONTRACT_FOR_SIS-188511621.html

By Asha Javeed asha.javeed@trinidadexpress.com
January 26, 2013
A top financier of the People's Partnership administration has been awarded a $232.5 million contract by the National Insurance Property Development Company Ltd (Nipdec).

It is not the first contract the Krishna Lalla-owned company, Super Industrial Services (SIS), has received from the People's Partnership Government.

But it is the most lucrative to date.

On November 27 last year, Nipdec's company secretary wrote to SIS manager Einool Hosein, informing the company that Nipdec had agreed to award the $232,501,329.22 contract to SIS and its Barbados-based precasting partner, Preconco, for the design-build-construction of the Motor Vehicle Authority (MVA) in Frederick Settlement, Caroni.

SIS, the contractor linked to the completion of construction of the homes of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and former minority leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Ashworth Jack, was the contractor behind the $45 million Siparia Market and the $70 million Couva/Preysal Interchange. SIS is to also benefit from Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE) contracts awarded by Nipdec on behalf of the Ministry of Works.

SIS's construction firm, Casa Contractors Ltd, was responsible for extension works at the Philippine residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last March.

The firm also worked on Jack's home in Hillsborough, Mt St George, Tobago.

Lalla, the Sunday Express previously reported, had invested in the Tobago Organisation of the People's (TOP) failed campaign bid to claim control of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) by footing some of the TOP's bills for its electioneering process.

But informed sources told the Sunday Express that SIS's proposal for the MVA bore a significant error.

The Sunday Express learned SIS did not commit to a ten per cent contingency fee in its total cost for the project, which was $232.5 million. That ten per cent, which works out to be $27 million, would have taken the final cost to $259 million, which would have made it the most expensive proposal.

At $232.5 million, SIS's price was higher than other contractors such as Beijing Liujian at $160 million, Moosai Construction that was priced at $193 million, Adams Construction at $207 million and Yorke Structures Ltd at $208 million, but lower than Kee Chanona at $246 million.

The Sunday Express understands Nipdec raised the issue of the contingency fee with SIS but allowed the company to remain in the process and eventually won the contract.

When the tender was first issued in May 2012, it noted that contractors would be evaluated in seven categories—apart from the general background and financial capability of the firm, its performance history, work experience in design-build services, available manpower, present workload and eligibility based on submission of required statutory certificates.

"Prospective proponents should be capable of undertaking design-build of an office building or similar projects to a value of over 80 million dollars per year," the notice read.

The MVA is set to be constructed on five acres of land—20,000 square feet for the building and 4,000 square feet for a warehouse—and the tender also included the cost of furniture and equipment.

Shortly after the proposals were closed on July 12, 2012, Nipdec floated a $339 million, 13-year bond at an annual rate of 5.15 per cent on August 22, 2012 to finance the project.

In its terms of issue, which was published in the daily newspapers, Nipdec stated: "The proceeds of this issue will provide for the implementation of Phase II of the Motor Vehicle Authority of Trinidad and Tobago project," the terms of the bond stated.

"The principal monies and interest represented by the bonds will be charged upon and are payable out of the Consolidated Fund and are secured on the revenues and assets of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago," the terms stated.

Nipdec chairman Hamlyn Jailal, who was reappointed last week, confirmed the award to SIS in a telephone interview yesterday.

Questioned on the issue of the contingency fee, he declined to give answers but agreed to give the Sunday Express an interview this week to put matters in the public domain.

Jailal, who was campaign manager for Tunapuna MP Winston Dookeran in the May 24, 2010, general election, was first appointed deputy chairman and succeeded Ronald Ramcharan as chairman after he departed the organisation.

Nipdec is a limited liability company owned by the National Insurance Board (NIB).

Questioned on what would happen to the excess $100 million since a contract was awarded for the sum of $232.5 million, Jailal said it would be used to fund access centres around Trinidad and Tobago.

The MVA was first proposed by the former People's National Movement (PNM) administration in a heads of agreement with the government of Nova Scotia in Canada.

At that time, the MVA was priced at $45 million.

The Canadian government had recommended a partnership with the Government and the Barrington Consulting Group (BCG).

Minister of Transport Chandresh Sharma, whose ministry outsourced the procurement exercise to Nipdec, told the Sunday Express yesterday he did not know who the contract was awarded to.

"Nipdec is independent of the ministry. We just need to get the job done," he told the Sunday Express in a telephone interview from Toronto, Canada.

The Sunday Express understands the Couva-based SIS is also in the running for two other major contracts.

Last Wednesday, a recommendation was made to award the first tranche of buses for the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) to SIS by Nipdec's Tenders Committee for $35 million, the Sunday Express was informed.

According to the Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the financial year 2013, the money allocated for the buses is $20 million. In 2012, $40 million was budgeted for the buses. The Sunday Express learned that the final figure for the 100 buses, which will be done in tranches, is $100 million.

Jailal said the evaluation is still ongoing, and a recommendation does not guarantee that a contract has been awarded.

"The buses have attracted a fair amount of attention. But I am proud to say that I have been chairman of a board which has rejected proposals made by the tenders committee. Who is recommended may not be accepted by the board," he told the Sunday Express.

The Nipdec board includes Ravi Ramoutar, Navindra Ramnanan, Melissa Bart-Smith, Dwight Stoute and Krishmanie Misir.

SIS owner Lalla did not respond to calls to his cellphone yesterday.

A number of attempts to reach company officials by phone last week were also unsuccessful.

[Jah Gol]

I read this article and felt a great deal of pessism for the welfare of the state and the prospects of our development. What value does this project add right now ?How does the facility improve services rendered to the public and at what cost ? The ministry of transport is yet to complete the digitization of records or change license plate format or install closed circuit cameras on roadways. These are areas that would actually improve services without spending over $200 million.

 Apart from those concerns there is a clear conflict of interest and blatant corruption taking place with the award of this contract. At what point will our leaders sacrifice personal and political gain for good governance. We borrow to pay for a project that we will not get value for ,will not improve services in itself, and coincedentally stands to benefit party financiers. This is a formula for failure.

[asylumseeker]

... At what point will our leaders sacrifice personal and political gain for good governance. ...

... possibly @ gunpoint.

[Bakes]

I so sick of this government and the bold face money grab that happening under it that I almost don't even bother responding anymore.  This one real offensive though... $232 million dollars for a flawed bid that was more than $70 million more than the lowest bid.

[elan]

How does the project go from $45 million under the PNM to over $200 million now?

[truetrini]

How does the project go from $45 million under the PNM to over $200 million now?

Inflation.

[Flex]

'POWER PLAY'
AG defends 'PM's contractor' against envious competitors
By Asha Javeed (Express).

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has defended contracts awarded by the Government to companies affiliated with the People's Partnership.

The AG was responding to a Sunday Express story in which a $232.5 million contract for a Motor Vehicle Authority (MVA) was awarded to Super Industrial Services (SIS), the contractor linked to the completion of construction of the homes of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and former minority leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Ashworth Jack.

SIS was the contractor behind the $45 million Siparia Market and the $70 million Couva/Preysal Interchange. SIS has also benefitted from Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE) contracts awarded by Nipdec on behalf of the Ministry of Works.

"The large majority of contracts awarded has not necessarily changed hands, whether it is prisoner transport, construction, or financial consulting. But the issue of who contracts are awarded to must be seen as a power play by desperate commercial interests that are seeking to protect and preserve their monopoly on lucrative work in the State sector. This group is seeking to shut out small players and newcomers to protect their turf. You hear no complaint when they get a contract but you hear a cacophony when anyone outside their circle gets anything," Ramlogan told the Express in a telephone interview yesterday.

When the question was posed to the AG about the extent of SIS owner Krishna Lalla's power and influence in the People's Partnership, he admitted that "that talk has been around".

"But the talk has also been around that a group of Port of Spain businessmen from a certain community financed the People's National Movement (PNM) campaign in Tobago and in the last general election. No one expressed concern when they received contracts from the PNM and continue to receive contracts from this Government," Ramlogan said.

The Attorney General added: "The Constitution gives each citizen and corporate citizen the right to freedom of association and freedom of political affiliation and expression. So companies are free to support political parties, but that is not a ground for discrimination because that will expose the State to litigation. The focus must be on the process and the process must be fair and transparent, that you cannot discriminate based on political bias and perception."

But while the Lalla-owned SIS has become a preferred contractor of the People's Partnership Government, the administration is aware of issues with the company which have impacted on delivery and construction management.

These issues were raised in a report as part of the audit conducted by the Attorney General's office into Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company (eTeck). SIS was one of four companies identified by Akbar Ali, the AG's attorney in the audit, for investigation to determine whether the State could pursue civil proceedings to regain money for uncompleted work.

Under the PNM administration, SIS had won a $150 million contract for roads and drainage works at the Tamana Intech Park in June 2006. It was supposed to be completed in 18 months.

However, the company was fired after an audit conducted by Trintoplan Consultants determined that it failed to meet its contractual obligations. Some of the issues identified with SIS's work was the poor performance of its sub-contractors, delays due to rainfall, malfunction of SIS's asphalt plant, poor construction management and the inability to replace sub-contractors on a timely basis.

SIS was fired after 40 per cent of the work was completed. The audit determined that another contractor would have to be hired to conduct remedial measures on the work completed because of "poor quality construction".
The then eTeck board, chaired by Prof Ken Julien, agreed to pay SIS about $100 million for the work.

However, while the Attorney General has pursued civil proceedings against directors of the company for decisions they made, no action will be taken to recover money from SIS.

"The matter was the subject of review together with other contracts awarded by the PNM-appointed board. However, there was no evidence of corruption on the part of SIS or the PNM board. The legal advice I received was that there was no basis for pursuing a claim against the former board over the award of this multi-million contract to SIS as the tender procedure was transparent and award justified."

Questioned on whether he's not concerned about the allegations made against the People's Partnership Government with regard to tendering practices, Ramlogan responded: "No. I understand in the political context that it is made. When large contracts were awarded by the PNM, no one batted an eyelid, but suddenly there is an endless list of so-called allegations because of vested commercial interests in a major control for economic power."

[weary1969]

How does the project go from $45 million under the PNM to over $200 million now?

Easy we time nw.

[Bourbon]

'POWER PLAY'
AG defends 'PM's contractor' against envious competitors
By Asha Javeed (Express).


Under the PNM administration, SIS had won a $150 million contract for roads and drainage works at the Tamana Intech Park in June 2006. It was supposed to be completed in 18 months.

However, the company was fired after an audit conducted by Trintoplan Consultants determined that it failed to meet its contractual obligations. Some of the issues identified with SIS's work was the poor performance of its sub-contractors, delays due to rainfall, malfunction of SIS's asphalt plant, poor construction management and the inability to replace sub-contractors on a timely basis.

SIS was fired after 40 per cent of the work was completed. The audit determined that another contractor would have to be hired to conduct remedial measures on the work completed because of "poor quality construction".
The then eTeck board, chaired by Prof Ken Julien, agreed to pay SIS about $100 million for the work.

However, while the Attorney General has pursued civil proceedings against directors of the company for decisions they made, no action will be taken to recover money from SIS.

"The matter was the subject of review together with other contracts awarded by the PNM-appointed board. However, there was no evidence of corruption on the part of SIS or the PNM board. The legal advice I received was that there was no basis for pursuing a claim against the former board over the award of this multi-million contract to SIS as the tender procedure was transparent and award justified."

Two things...1) You engage legal proceedings against the directors but not the company in question....and I vaguely remember a big show being made about it in the media...then turn around and retain the same company again?


2) Yuh legal case flop..and it nice and quiet. Nice. Any other cases where this was the outcome?

[fishs]

What many people doh realise is that these companies give big money to both parties, hedging their bets.

So don't be surprised if PNM win the next elections and SIS still getting big contracts.

Remember Karamath, Coosals, Junior Sammy, Gopiesingh's, Ish... and they all have one thing in common.

[Feliziano]

What many people doh realise is that these companies give big money to both parties, hedging their bets.

So don't be surprised if PNM win the next elections and SIS still getting big contracts.

Remember Karamath, Coosals, Junior Sammy, Gopiesingh's, Ish... and they all have one thing in common.

Spot on...add Clico to the mix too, used to have Monteil on one hand and Carlos John on the other.

btw Fishs long time no see..where yuh based these days bro?

[truetrini]

What many people doh realise is that these companies give big money to both parties, hedging their bets.

So don't be surprised if PNM win the next elections and SIS still getting big contracts.

Remember Karamath, Coosals, Junior Sammy, Gopiesingh's, Ish... and they all have one thing in common.

Spot on...add Clico to the mix too, used to have Monteil on one hand and Carlos John on the other.

btw Fishs long time no see..where yuh based these days bro?

Don't make excuse for allyuh frens now!

When it was the PNM is pure blows, now is standard practice?  LONG HARD STEUPS>

This PP is the worse we ever had...shittiest government ever.

[fishs]

What many people doh realise is that these companies give big money to both parties, hedging their bets.

So don't be surprised if PNM win the next elections and SIS still getting big contracts.

Remember Karamath, Coosals, Junior Sammy, Gopiesingh's, Ish... and they all have one thing in common.

Spot on...add Clico to the mix too, used to have Monteil on one hand and Carlos John on the other.

btw Fishs long time no see..where yuh based these days bro?

Was in Inamenas until a year ago now back in Rep Of Georgia.

[fishs]

What many people doh realise is that these companies give big money to both parties, hedging their bets.

So don't be surprised if PNM win the next elections and SIS still getting big contracts.

Remember Karamath, Coosals, Junior Sammy, Gopiesingh's, Ish... and they all have one thing in common.

Spot on...add Clico to the mix too, used to have Monteil on one hand and Carlos John on the other.

btw Fishs long time no see..where yuh based these days bro?

Don't make excuse for allyuh frens now!

When it was the PNM is pure blows, now is standard practice?  LONG HARD STEUPS>

This PP is the worse we ever had...shittiest government ever.

Not making any excuses bro.
PP is a shyte government but they did not invent corruption either.
A farmer turn councillor turn minister, now have a big big house in Moka with 3 new Mercs park up inside and he has not been a minister since 2005.
Check the kind off big property man does acquire as soon as they get in power, one hand cant clap and companies like SIS have one of the hands

[Bourbon]

Nice.

[Bourbon]

SIS outsources work on $1.6bn Beetham Water Recycling Project

I would have sworn we had a thread or some discussion on this topic before but I cant find it. Feel free to merge it if it exists.

Anyhow....according to this


Super Industrial Services Ltd (SISL) is now seeking to outsource the construction work on the $1.6 billion Beetham Water Recycling Project. A confidential tender document, obtained by the Sunday Guardian, showed the Couva-based SISL was seeking to retain other companies to begin the hefty project. The bid documents carry a deadline date of September 5, 2014, for all submissions.

The contentious project has started even as the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has called for a Commission of Enquiry (CoE) into the project and its award to SISL. The Joint Consultative Committee also called for the project to be halted.
The project was awarded to SISL on February 28, just before the long Carnival weekend.

In the seven-page Instruction to Bid document, SISL detailed a ten-point scope of works which included everything from a bulk chemical storage area to external works and landscaping. While questions have been raised about SISL’s ability to handle the range and scope of the massive project, new information reveals that SISL is currently seeking to outsource the contract, becoming instead the project manager for the $1.6 billion project.

“In accordance with its contract with the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), SISL is required to design and build a water recycling facility adjacent to the existing Beetham Waste Water Treatment Plant (BWWTP), together with the associated pipelines and water storage facilities,” the bid contract stated. The contract also noted that the requisite works is expected to cross three major roads on central Trinidad and two rivers, the Caroni and the Guayamere.

“It has been specified by NGC that the pipeline be laid underground which will require HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) at the major water crossings,” the document stated. According to the Instruction to Bidders, the sub-contractors must respond within two days of the delivery of the bid documents. “No subletting of work is authorised,” it states.

The document is also prefaced with a strict confidentiality clause which debars the hired contractor from making any “statements to the media” or “disclosing any information to any unauthorised person(s) whether on or off duty, during or long after their period of assignment to the BWWRP facilities.”

When the PNM had called for the project to be halted, Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley wrote to President Anthony Carmona on March 10, 2014, asking him to use his authority to “investigate and call upon” Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explain the circumstances and award by the National Gas Company/WASA of a contract for the Design and Build, Operation and Maintenance of the Beetham Water Recycling Plant together with the associated pipelines and water storage facilities to SISL.

The Sunday Guardian e-mailed SISL’s project manager Joachim Reinert and one of the South-based companies listed on the bid documents. There was no response. The Sunday Guardian also texted and called Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine for further clarification on the project, but he did not respond.

Finance Minister Larry Howai referred to the billion-dollar project briefly during the reading of the 2014/2015 budget earlier this month. He said then that work was “being vigorously pursued on establishing a daily supply of water for all our citizens.” Howai said, “With the completion of the Beetham Waste Water Project, the Industrial Estate at Point Lisas will benefit from a reliable and high quality water supply, thereby diverting ten million gallons per day of good-quality potable water to the national community.”

About SISL
The company was founded by businessman Krishna Lalla and has been linked to the United National Congress (UNC), often being described as a party financier.

The company was awarded the contract despite being almost $400 million more than that of its nearest competitor. SISL also beat out more seasoned international companies including Vinci Construction, Kentz Caribbean and Latin America, GLF Construction, Technologica Intercontinental, Aqualia Infrastructuras, Societe Generale Des Eaux, Doshion Private Ltd, Universal Projects Ltd, Seven Seas Water (Trinidad), AST Clean Water Technology, Earth Company Ltd and GE Water.

PNM calls for CoE
PNM chairman Franklin Khan and the party’s public relations officer Faris Al Rawi yesterday reiterated Rowley’s call for a CoE into the award of the Beetham Water Recycling Project to SISL. Speaking at yesterday’s post general council press briefing, both men said that the Government should but would not call for a CoE into this matter.

They say that the Government was focusing on the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Las Alturas project in order to tie Rowley to an investigation in an election year. “They fishing for something, but the fish not biting,” Khan said. “They will never call an inquiry into themselves. We know that they will not call it,” Al-Rawi added.

“There are many reasons why a Commissions of Enquiry needs to be called into this Governments management, but we are confident that they will not do that,” he said.

[Socapro]

More government corruption yet gain, it never ends! 

[Sando prince]

Anyone been following wha going in Parliament? Watching the Parliament channel today and Captain Gary only fumbling the ball every time Imbert ask him a question about the disappearance of certain amounts of money under his Ministry. His response every time "I will get back to you on that"   

[Bourbon]

Anyone been following wha going in Parliament? Watching the Parliament channel today and Captain Gary only fumbling the ball every time Imbert ask him a question about the disappearance of certain amounts of money under his Ministry. His response every time "I will get back to you on that"   

All that traceable to the past government apparently.

[Socapro]

Anyone been following wha going in Parliament? Watching the Parliament channel today and Captain Gary only fumbling the ball every time Imbert ask him a question about the disappearance of certain amounts of money under his Ministry. His response every time "I will get back to you on that"   

All that traceable to the past government apparently.

When that script has been written on this subject by his scriptwriters he will get back.

[socafighter]

More government corruption yet gain, it never ends! 

What happened to the 100 million dollar profit plus ..Monteil made 
Was he not the PNM Bag man ...
What about O'Halloran  during Williams day ... The PNM Bag man ..

So the above wasn't corruption...


You keep bringing up Guayana  ..who ran Guyana down ...a guy named Forbes Burnham

Didn't Panday forgave over 500 million in debt to Forbes  Guyana ...

You should read what Forbes sister said about him in a book ...

[Socapro]

Okay I just realise that I am being trolled. 

[socafighter]

Okay I just realise that I am being trolled. 

I am not trolling ...

I am placing facts and would like to see you refute them ..when one cannot they yell troll?
Its the easy way out...

[Bourbon]

So... All those past instances of wrong make this right I guess. OK cool.

[socafighter]

So... All those past instances of wrong make this right I guess. OK cool.

You can't hold one side responsable ..both side's must take responsibility...

Show me where it is on this thread...

PNMites are pointing out one side ..I am showing them where much worst has happened but in their rose colored glasses ..oh they cant see such...

[Sando prince]

So... All those past instances of wrong make this right I guess. OK cool.

Did the people not vote for change in 2010?

Remember 'Change' was the PP campaign slogan last elections

[Socapro]

So... All those past instances of wrong make this right I guess. OK cool.

Did the people not vote for change in 2010?

Remember 'Change' was the PP campaign slogan last elections

Yes they provided change and it was change for the worse.

[Bourbon]

So... All those past instances of wrong make this right I guess. OK cool.

You can't hold one side responsable ..both side's must take responsibility...

Show me where it is on this thread...

PNMites are pointing out one side ..I am showing them where much worst has happened but in their rose colored glasses ..oh they cant see such...

Yeah that happened on May 24 2010. Anybody get charged yet? Expenditure increase... Any major project that wasn't in effect got done?

You now reach on the board so I not expecting you to know or even consider how it was in the run up to the previous general elections. It have men who probably still so shame how they campaign and argue pre 2010 that they don't even post in the general discussion board again.

I do expect you to at least use sound logic and consistency.

But your traits consistent with others like you on other local message boards  and media both social and conventional. An agenda... Possibly paid or otherwise. And if that's the case well great. I don't engage people who don't let facts change their opinion

[Bourbon]

So... All those past instances of wrong make this right I guess. OK cool.

You can't hold one side responsable ..both side's must take responsibility...

Show me where it is on this thread...

PNMites are pointing out one side ..I am showing them where much worst has happened but in their rose colored glasses ..oh they cant see such...

Yeah that happened on May 24 2010. Anybody get charged yet? Expenditure increase... Any major project that wasn't in effect got done?

You now reach on the board so I not expecting you to know or even consider how it was in the run up to the previous general elections. It have men who probably still so shame how they campaign and argue pre 2010 that they don't even post in the general discussion board again.

I do expect you to at least use sound logic and consistency.

But your traits consistent with others like you on other local message boards  and media both social and conventional. An agenda... Possibly paid or otherwise. And if that's the case well great. I don't engage people who don't let facts change their opinion

[Flex]

Commissioner of State Lands confirms...
By Asha Javeed (Express).

SIS SQUATTING

Commissioner of State Lands Ian Fletcher says that Couva-based conglomerate Super Industrial Services (SIS) has been illegally occupying some 35 acres of land in Perseverance Village, Couva.

Fletcher, in an interview with the Express last Friday, said that SIS does not have tenancy for the 35 acres of land which it has already cleared and blocked off with fences since last July.

The land belonged to Caroni Ltd and was once vested to the Estate Management and Business Development Co Ltd (EMBD), but has now been vested with the Commissioner of State Lands.

That unit falls under the Ministry of Land and Marine Resources, headed by Minister Jairam Seemungal.
SIS, founded by Krishna Lalla in 1979, has a main office at Rivulet Road, Couva, and another office at Farm Road, Perseverance, which acts as a warehouse operation.

It is adjacent to the land that the company has fenced off.

“SIS does not have a tenancy for the land. I know they have a lease for part of the land, but not for the other part,” Fletcher said.

Under the Basdeo Panday administration, SIS obtained a lease for a 30-acre parcel of land on which its warehouse and some of its business operations are now located.

Last August, the Sunday Express had exclusively reported on the land grab by SIS.

Sunday Express investigations had revealed that some farmers, who had been squatting on the lands for some 15 years, quit their crops after being offered cash by SIS to vacate the land.

Some farmers claim to have been intimidated into vacating the land, while others accepted $2,000 to $5,000 to abandon the land.

Caroni officials had told the Sunday Express they were unaware of any approval being given to SIS.

Ronald Alfred, head of the Original Jab Jab, who has been squatting on his piece of land for the last 15 years, turned down a cash offer of $50,000 from SIS to vacate his land.

He has since sought the assistance of Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial in getting a lease for the land, but the matter has not yet been resolved.

As of now, SIS has basically taken the place of the farmers squatting on the State lands.

Fletcher explained that SIS has only now applied to his office for tenancy of the land.

“They are now going through the process of complying, but I don’t know if they will get the approvals,” he said.

Pressed on what action he would take if SIS was not granted final approval for the land, Fletcher replied: “They will be asked to vacate or I will remove them.”

SIS is a business conglomerate that has been the recipient of million-dollar contracts from the People’s Partnership Government.

The Express tried unsuccessfully to contact SIS’ chief executive David Lumsden for comment.

Lalla has said he does not own SIS.