Monday
23rd Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Ismail Zariyand, Chairman of National Tender Board
The Maldives Journal has been informed of the National Tender Board's decision to assign three development projects decided upon by the government, for the wrongful benefit of specific parties in violation of the Public Finance Regulation.
Projects to be assigned against policies and regulations
- 1. Project involving the completion of 64 housing units being constructed in Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll, and the design and build procurement of 36 new units.
- 2. Project involving the completion of 100 housing units being constructed in Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaal Atoll.
- 3. Project involving the completion of 100 housing units being constructed in Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaal Atoll.
The bidding processes for the three projects were announced in January and February this year. During the bid evaluation process, the National Tender Board, in violation of bid documents, terminated bids from some bidders.
A Tender Board member reported to TMJ that the board reported the matter to the Bid Committee established in accordance with the Public Finance Regulation, and the committee ruled that the board acted against the rules on bidding documents. The committee advised the board to re-evaluate the documents.
However, the Tender Board refused to obey the committee's recommendation. The committee's proposal to discuss the matter was rejected due to the influence of powerful authorities on the Tender Board.
According to the source, bids from some companies were terminated despite presenting all required documents and information. It is speculated that the Tender Board refused to entertain the Bid Committee's suggestion, as the board knew the companies they wished to assign the projects to would lose the opportunity if the documents were re-evaluated. Companies to be assigned the projects include those in which parliament members of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) have shares.
The Public Finance Regulations dictate that any issues regarding bidding documents must be presented to the procurement officer of the institution heading the project. If the procurement officer's decision is found unsatisfactory, the matter must then be reported to the Bid Committee established under the Public Finance Regulation. All government administrations must obey the committee's rulings regarding the revision and amendment of the documents.
However, the Tender Board has violated the law and refused to follow the committee's rulings on the three projects. Sources state that the matter has been taken to Civil Court.
Informants also claim that the board is attempting to promptly sign off on projects and begin construction while President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is visiting the Northern Atolls.