Bune questions Tendering process

[posted 08 October 2004, 12:00]

Labour MP, Poseci Bune, has accused the SDL of colluding with companies in the government tendering process.

He highlighted one such instance where hardware supplier, RC Manubhai's successful bid to supply nails for a project was overturned a week after being approved.  The tender instead went to Wingate  Marketing Limited, who's quoted price to the government was $128,000 higher than RC Manubhai's successful bid.

The Government's response that this was done under the auspices of its Affirmative Action iniatiative to benefit indigenous-owned companies does not hold weight as the integrity of the tendering process is shown to have been violated.  Turning back on a successful bid, eight days after it was accepted and two to three weeks before delivery was to be taken, shows the levels government is willing to go to pander to special interests.

Mr. Bune also targeted the collusion between Vinod Patel and the government on the supply of steel pipes to projects.