The one about the road

Sir,
The recent furore over the impending decision regarding another road construction project (in the Polis District) reminds me of an old joke…

When the Transport Ministry put out tenders it received three responses.

At the review stage, the selection committee asked the Polish Contractor to outline his plans: he offered to build the road for £60 million (£20 million for materials; £20 million for labour; £20 million for him); then came the Greek Contractor’s offer: costs £120 million (£40 million for materials; £40 million for labour; £40 million for him).

Finally it’s the Cypriot contractor’s turn: £180 million… which translates as follows:

“Gentlemen,” says the contractor, “£60 million for you (the committee); £60 million for me and £60 million for the Polish Contractor – let him build the road.”

Panikkos Constanti
Senior Lecturer, Intercollege, Nicosia

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