Slovakia's citizens may unnecessary pay additional more than SKK 6.5 billion for an overpriced tender for the electronic toll collection system, center-right opposition SDKU-DS deputy club chairman Stanislav Janis stated at Wednesday's press conference. He pointed out that the National Highway Company (NDS) under suspicious circumstances, excluded three of four candidates, whose bids were profoundly cheaper. Thus, only the SanToll-Ibertax consortium remained in the game. Its price bid for the electronic toll collection system was the most expensive. It is very likely that the group will be awarded the largest ever state contract in Slovakia. Mr. Janis and his party colleague Lucia Zitnanska criticized the non-transparent and secretive procedure of the repeated competition for the electronic toll collection system.
Mr. Janis asked why the competition was kept secret. He implied that the information on the past and experience of people involved might confirm suspicions that there is something wrong in the managing of this tender. He also admitted the option that suspected linkage to various interest groups might be revealed. The recent a deputy inquiry did not disclose much information because the NDS management refused to provide them relevant information related to the confidential competition. He voiced that the aim of this tender is to ensure that a company selected in advance would be given this state order.
Taking into account the prepared social package of the SMER-SD-led government, Mr. Janis mentioned that the tender is a mockery of the people. On one hand, the Prime Minister boasts about the seven billion crowns the government will give to the people, and, on the other hand, the government will draw SKK 6.5 billion from their pockets by this over-priced competition.
Ms. Zitnanska stated that this competition is an example of a non-transparent and wasteful procurement. Nothing has changed in this matter during the two-year term of Mr. Fico's government despite his promises that his government would make public procurement more transparent and efficient.
(EUR 1 = SKK 30.217 on July 2)