Major GWI contractor to take legal action against Opposition Leader

Last Updated on Monday, 17 August 2026, 17:20 by Denis Chabrol

The Bangladesh-headquartered Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc; which is headquartered in Bangladesh, on Monday said it would be filing legal action against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed for a number of statements that touch on the award of GY$12 billion in contracts by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

“The company categorically rejects the allegations and what it considers to be serious misrepresentations of the facts. Given the nature of the statements made, Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc. has engaged legal counsel and intends to pursue appropriate legal action,” Sigma Engineers said in a statement.

“As the company continues to engage its legal counsel on this matter, further information regarding its operations and the issues raised will be provided at the appropriate time,” the company added.

Neither the state-owned GWI nor President Irfaan Ali, whose brother Mohamed Aqtar Ali has been named by the Opposition Leader, reacted to the allegations in a 12-minute audio-video statement on Facebook earlier Monday.

However, Sigma sought to ensure that the facts are accurately represented, by denying that it was established five days before receiving a government contract. The company said it was incorporated and operating in Bangladesh since 2003 and was registered in Guyana on October 6, 2022. The company said its first contract in Guyana was awarded in 2026, following a national competitive bidding process conducted through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

In August 2023, GWI said Sigma Engineering from Bangladesh led as the contractor for a new water treatment plant to benefit the Soesdyke to Craig areas on the East Bank Demerara.  In March, 2024, GWI named Sigma Engineers Ltd as contractors related to the Cummings Lodge and Caledonia Water Treatment Plants.  In October, 2025, GWI said the New Cummings Lodge Water Treatment Plant was constructed by Sigma Engineering Ltd at a cost of GYD $1.3 billion, with a team comprising of several Guyanese staff.

Concerning Mr. Mohamed Aqtar Ali, Sigma Engineers said he has been engaged by Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc. in Guyana in a senior technical consultant capacity. “He has no affiliation with the company in Bangladesh.”

Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc says it remains committed to conducting its operations in accordance with the laws and regulations of Guyana and to maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability and integrity.

The company says it respects due process and believes that public discourse concerning businesses operating in Guyana should be grounded in accurate and verifiable information.