Tenders queried in palace upgrade plan

THE GOVERNMENT’S handling of an estimated €4 million presidential palace upgrade has come under fire from the Cyprus Technical Chamber (ETEK) who object to the government’s tendering process.

ETEK vice president – and president of the Cyprus Architects’ Association – Constantinos Constanti said yesterday that the government had got their tendering process the wrong way round: asking candidates to submit their price before – and their designs after – the contract was awarded. Constanti said: “The current criteria for the tenders is just the price. Then two months after the contract the winner will submit drawings.” The problem is that there is no guarantee that the winner of the contract would maintain the historic character of the building.

According to the daily Philelefteros, ETEKs letter to the government, expressed concerns that the current process raises the possibility of “inappropriate choices” being made under the current system, and instead proposed a tendering process that could leave a lasting legacy for future governments. Asked why the government had done it this way, Constanti said: “The government told us that they do not have the time. They are in a hurry to complete the building in time for Cyprus’ assumption of the EU presidency in 2012.”

ETEK believe that they could assist the government to run a six week tendering process, in which architectural firms could produce drawings that would enable to government to ensure the character of the building could be maintained.

Once the contract has been awarded – the winning company would already have a head start, having completed the design process.

The area due to be renovated includes a dining and reception area, covering approximately 600 square metres, and a basement area covering around 550 square metres. This will then be used as a dining and events area during Cyprus’ 2012 presidency.

The initial estimate for the work was €4 million. However, €5,200,000 has already been appropriated into the 2011 budget for maintenance and repairs for the Presidential palace headquarters. This is an increase of more than €4.5 million from the 2010 budget, when €658,800 was appropriated.

 

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