Construction work on the new airport terminal has not yet begun because Moldova is a democracy, Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Bolea said. The official noted that the contract cannot be signed until all appeals have been resolved.
The statements were made after the minister was asked by journalists about delays in the process. Bolea stressed that companies participating in the tender have the right to challenge its outcome.
“I want this to happen as soon as possible, just like all citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Two economic operators are challenging the result. We live in a democratic state with functioning laws, and all rights are upheld. Companies also have the right to appeal, and they have filed appeals. Until all appeals are resolved in accordance with the legislation in force, the contract cannot be signed with the company that won the tender,” Bolea explained.
Discussions about the reconstruction and expansion of Chisinau International Airport have been ongoing for several years. Initially, the authorities spoke about building a new terminal, but later announced plans to expand the existing one.
A tender was held in May. In September, the National Agency for the Settlement of Appeals upheld challenges filed by two companies and annulled the previous decision to award the contract.
According to IPN, four bids were submitted in the tender. The lowest offer, worth 150.1 million lei, was submitted by Estate Invest Company, which was declared the winner.
The tender result was challenged by Standard Byte, Horus, Eurostil Construct and Moldconstruct Service, according to IPN.
The National Agency for the Settlement of Appeals identified two issues in the evaluation of the winning bid. The bank guarantee submitted by Estate Invest Company was valid until October 16, one day short of the required deadline. In addition, when assessing the company’s financial capacity, the support provided by Aria Grup was not taken into account.