Apostolos Tomaras
The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen the framework for public works contracts following the unfortunate cancellation of the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road project. With the first phase of the project at risk of long delays, the Public Procurement Authority is introducing new conditions for public works tenders to minimize the time required to find a new contractor.
The General Accounting Office, which acts as the Public Procurement Authority, has already codified the planned changes. According to a briefing note from the Accountant General to Parliament, obtained by *K*, five key measures are proposed, with one already incorporated into tender procedures.
New Clause to Avoid Delays
The Accountant General explains in the briefing note that a new clause has been added to standard public works tender documents. This clause allows contracting authorities, after reviewing all relevant data, to trigger a defined mechanism to approach the next bidder in line after a project is terminated. This would allow the continuation and completion of stalled projects without the need for a lengthy re-tendering process, which typically takes about six months.
For the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road, this means the contracting authority—Public Works—can invite the second-ranked bidder, AVAX S.A., to take over the project. The relevant bidding details are as follows:
Support for Faster Resolutions
To prevent future delays, the Public Procurement Authority informed Parliament of its willingness to provide additional support to contracting authorities. This includes assigning experienced staff to guide and actively assist project teams in expediting the search for a new contractor.
The Accountant General emphasized that the office has thoroughly reviewed the specific circumstances leading to project terminations. "It’s worth noting that such issues are not unique to Cyprus," the note states, adding that other European countries face similar challenges. Based on this analysis, a comprehensive package of measures has been developed, which will be announced following consultations with stakeholders.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
