Somalia: EU funded Road Maintenance project under probe by GIZ

GAROWE, Puntland- A Germany-based organization, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) stated that its still conducting probe over allegation of tender fraud in the Road Maintenance project of Galkayo-Garowe corridor, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking over the phone to GO, GIZ official, Christoph Schmidt, confirmed the ongoing investigation in the Road Maintenance project funded by EU and Germany, aimed to reconstruct the damaged sections of the road about 80 km between Jalam and Harfo villages.

However, he declined to disclose further information, saying it will undermine the investigation process. He also noted the company that will win the contract will not be announced till the investigation process is completed within two weeks time.

Earlier, GO reported that Is-xilqan company, a Mudug-based construction company, has already been selected to implement the project, according to inside sources in Puntland Highway Authority (PHA).

Recently, local media has reported corruption in the bidding process by PHA and Puntland Tendering Committee, accusing them of assisting company linked to officials from both institutions to triumph over their rivals for the contract.

But this was denied jointly by PHA and GIZ later, stating that there were no evidence of fraud and corruption in the bidding process.  

Consequently, GIZ announced it will launch probe and recruit international audit to re-evaluate again the tender process for the sake of transparency and accountability.

Based on a recent study conducted by Puntland State University (PSU) between December 2015 and April 2016, on corruption in Puntland institutions, it has exposed a rampant corruption in Puntland Tender Committee, accusing it of rigging the bidding process to award companies that share clan association with the contracts. 

GAROWEONLINE