THE DELIVERY of two fire-fighting helicopters to Cyprus has been held up due to a change in their original specifications.
The Russian-manufactured MI-172 models were due to be delivered to Larnaca yesterday, but at the last moment Agriculture Minister Photis Photiou postponed delivery so that the Attorney-general could go over the details of a new contract with the manufacturer, Kazan Helicopters.
At a cost of £9 million the two helicopters will be used mainly by the Forestry Department to fight bushfires.
Director of the Department, Aristos Ioannou yesterday told the Mail that he hopes to receive the aircraft within the week if an amendment to the contract is agreed.
“Back in February, Kazan informed us that there had been a delay in installing specific software into the aircrafts’ systems,” he explained. “However, this software, which is produced in the United States, has nothing to do with fire-fighting as it only affects the auto hover and auto approach capabilities of the helicopters.”
He added that if the aircraft do not arrive in time for the fire season, which usually begins at the beginning of June, the government will have to fork out an additional £1.5 million for other helicopters to do the job.
“We informed Kazan that we did not immediately require the software to be installed and to proceed with delivery,” Ioannou said. “But delivery of the helicopters without the specifications set out in the original contract was deemed not to be acceptable without the approval of the government’s Central Committee of Changes.”
According to the Forestry Department Director, the Committee agreed that the aircraft could be delivered immediately, without the software, which will be installed in October. For this to happen however, final approval from the Attorney and Auditor-generals is required and I am hoping that this is imminent.”
The money will be paid to Kazan upon delivery.
Photiou is said to have delayed the delivery as he claims that if the government uses the helicopters without the VTU software being installed and without changing the contract, Kazan can then turn round and say that the helicopters have been used and refuse to install the software.
He says that the software is needed as the helicopters will also be used by the Justice and Interior Ministries for search and rescue operations.
The matter is said to be up before the Cabinet.
“We really need them as they are perfect for firefighting,” said Ioannou. “Each helicopter is capable of carrying four-and-a-half tonnes of water and a crew of up to 25 fire-fighters.”
Last year, there were over 1,000 fires around the forests and countryside of the island.
Kazan Helicopters has experience in aircraft construction since the 1940s, and in the international market since 1956. According to their website, “high reliability, ruggedness, safety, and ease of maintenance are the characteristics of our aircraft.”
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