site.btaTunnel Construction Tender Halted over Missing Documents Prompts Construction Chamber to Demand Resignation of Caretaker Regional Development Minister

Tunnel Construction Tender Halted over Missing Documents Prompts Construction Chamber to Demand
Resignation of Caretaker Regional Development Minister


Sofia, April 7 (BTA) - In a statement on Friday the Bulgarian Construction Chamber demanded the resignation of caretaker Regional Development Minister Spas Popnikolov and officials of the Road Infrastructure Agency responsible for the halted tender for the construction of the Zheleznitsa tunnel, part of the Strouma Motorway, which was stopped after documents belonging to one of the applicants were found missing. The Bulgarian Construction Chamber voiced concern that the works on the Strouma Motorway will be delayed which will jeopardize the EU funding for the project.

On Thursday Popnikolov said, speaking to reporters, that the tender has been suspended over a missing file, part of the technical proposal of one of the bidders. Popnikolov said that the missing documents impair the entire procedure and constitute grounds to contest it. Also, continuing the tender notwithstanding the missing documents will mean losing the trust of the European partners, he said. The Minister said that a new public procurement bidding with the same technical terms of reference will be announced within a couple of months.

The Bulgarian Construction Chamber urged for a fast and competent action of the cabinet in the selection and appointment of experts with long professional experience and integrity so that the delays in the 2014-2020 programming period so far are made up. The chamber also called on the government that is going to be formed shortly to increase the administrative capacity of all bodies involved in the management of public funds, and to ensure the rule of law.