Digesett justifies call for bids to purchase whistles for 5.6 million pesos

Each whistle will consist of its distinctive and chain, with a cost of 1,947 pesos per unit.

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Traffic and Ground Transportation Safety (Digesett) clarified this Thursday that the acquisition process of 2,894 whistles is part of a normal administrative procedure, with the due criteria of "transparency" and adhering to legal provisions. The organization recalled, in a press release, that whistles constitute an "essential" work tool for traffic agents, as they allow for clear and effective sound signals during vehicle management, traffic management, and accident prevention on the roads. In that sense, the purchase responds to the need to equip the agents with adequate, resistant and standardized equipment, with specific technical characteristics that guarantee durability and functionality in the field, Digesett pointed out. In digital media and social networks, dozens of people have expressed criticism that Digesett has called for a tender to acquire the whistles, for an amount of 5,634,618 pesos, which is equivalent to 1,947 pesos per whistle. According to Digesett, the whistle is made of stainless steel, with a sound range of between 90 and 100 decibels, with the institutional brand printed on it.

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The chain is stainless steel, snake weave, secure fastening and clasp system, while the whistle holder is made of sturdy stainless steel, badge type, screen-printed in orange with the Digesett initials in silver. Digesett specified today that the budgeted amount in the specifications does not necessarily constitute the final expense, since, as in any public procurement process, it is a competitive and open procedure, where offers are received from all authorized suppliers and it is the most convenient proposal that is awarded. Likewise, the institution emphasizes that this process does not imply any type of irregularity, but rather corresponds to the annual programming of the endowment of "indispensable" equipment for the performance of the agents on the streets.