ADB Detects Foul Play in Govt Assigning Single Window Project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided that the Maldivian government's actions in assigning the National Single Window Project indicate corruption.

The person who reported the issue to ADB received an email stating that the bank's Office of Anti-Corruption and Integrity has examined the issue. It further read that Webb Fontaine Asia Inc, the company awarded the project, has never conducted a Single Window Project.

ADB has decided that the contract was acquired through suspicious means as the Webb Fontaine group based in Dubai submitted its documents under Webb Fontaine Asia Inc, the company's branch in the Philippines.

The investigation to determine any violation of the bank's anti-corruption policies has concluded, and Webb Fontaine's bid must be disqualified as the company does not have the required experience and is therefore ineligible for the project.

Incidents in the Single Window Project

However, the project has been assigned to Webb Fontaine Asia due to the Maldivian government's error.

Funding for the project was allocated by former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. The project has been delayed for two years since the transfer in leadership.

ADB has halted the project due to several suspicious incidents in the awarding of the project. The committee to evaluate bidding documents for the project comprises officials of the Economic Ministry and Maldives Customs Service.

The project was assigned to a company based in the Philippines. However, the company's headquarters are registered in Dubai. The company is partly owned by Indian nationals.

The United Arab Emirates and Dubai are among those declared ineligible for the bid by ADB. The company participated in the bidding process through Webb Fontaine Asia Inc, its branch in the Philippines.

It is noteworthy that other companies listed lower costs than Webb Fontaine. The project was still assigned to the inexperienced company after examining its work in Dubai.

Seeking major compensation

Webb Fontaine has brought some of its material to Maldives since it has been awarded the contract. ADB halted the project just as the company was prepared to proceed.

A source has confirmed to Dhiyares that the company is now seeking USD 3.5 million for the work done so far.

Another source with knowledge on ADB's processes in financing projects has reported to Dhiyares that the bank will not authorize for its funds to be used to compensate Webb Fontaine Asia Inc. The government will have to reimburse the MVR 3.5 million.