CONTRACTORS for the new sewerage system in Paphos are demanding millions of euros in extra charges, which will ultimately come out of the taxpayers’ pocket.
According to local councillor and Paphos Sewerage Board (SABBA) member Polis Polydorou, following the completion of the first phase, around €20 million in extra costs were incurred.
“The problems with the contactors were the big amount of extras they put in for, over and above their initial quotes,” he said.
The sewerage board member said the contractors maintain they had encountered a variety of problems during the project, including those with different semi-government and government services, such as the electricity authority. These instances included moving pipes and cables.
“The big problem was that there was a lack of proper co-ordination from the employees of the sewerage board. I think if there had been proper supervision of the project, many millions of euros would not have ended up in the hands of the contractors.’
The second phase of the sewerage system is now under way and, according to Polydorou, the government audit for 2008 states that the contractors have already requested extra amounts, above the agreed budget.
“They are in the process of monitoring and checking this amount. We have not paid anything extra yet for the second phase and we must not allow the same thing to happen again,” said Polydorou.
“I’m trying to improve the situation and have requested a full board meeting of the sewerage board to analyse the state audit report, both for the first phase and the second.
Polydorou added that close monitoring of the situation by the board itself is also imperative.
“We’re trying to minimise our extras because these monies will come from all of our pockets and it’s the taxpayers who will suffer in the end.”
The first phase accrued more than €20 million in added costs. The original budget for this part of the sewerage system was €40 million.
Polydorou explained that when the contractors ask for more money, such as in the case of pipes needing to be moved, SABBA consultants and engineers ask to visit the site and see the scale of the problem.
“The sewerage board can then make a counter offer for a lesser amount than the contractor is requesting, and if they agree the matter is concluded. Otherwise the case goes to arbitration.”
The second phase is expected to take three years to complete.
“We have budgeted €120 million for the second phase, and it’s our great fear that we will go over budget again.”
This part of the ambitious project includes the municipality of Yeroskipou, and parts of Paphos municipality, including villages such as Konia, Chlorakas, Emba and Tala.
Four contractors are completing the work on the sewerage system and were assigned to the project by the board of SABBA.
“We have consultants and engineers to advise the board, and no one person is responsible for the project,” admitted Polydorou.
“What might be useful is to hire a new employee to be in charge of our internal audit; I believe this is a critical move. No one is performing this task at present.’
Polydorou continued that a further two or three other engineers, and a combination of project managers would also improve the situation.
“The state audit manager has made a number of suggestions, and as he has the experience the accumulated over many years, his suggestions have to be very carefully studied.”
“I have asked for a meeting of the sewerage board and will put forward my suggestions then. I’m waiting to be informed when this will be.”
