The Gozo Ministry categorically denied what it said were unfounded allegations made during a speech by Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, in an activity held by the MLP in Santa Lucija last Sunday in connection with the awarding of a tender for lighting during the organisation of Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana.

The offers submitted following a tender issued by the ministry calling for bidders in connection with lighting required by the organisers of Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana, were adjudicated by a specially-appointed professional and trustworthy board consisting of representatives of both ministries organising the event, as well as technical and artistic professionals, the ministry said.

Josef Azzopardi, the person who was finally awarded the contract, was the cheapest bidder in three out of eight sites, while proposing the second cheapest bids for the remaining five sites.

Consequently, the company providing the first cheapest bid for the remaining five of eight sites, was asked to provide a detailed breakdown of itemised prices as well as information regarding the brand names and model number of each item proposed to be used, in line with clause 13 of the said tender.

On viewing the information and details of the equipment provided by this same company in this regard, the adjudicating board noted several shortcomings on two categories: the first based on a technical level where the information and details submitted were too generic and in some cases incomplete and/or missing; and the second on a more generic level where it was even noted that different prices were quoted for the same equipment. Thus Josef Azzopardi was awarded the contract for lighting during the activity in question since he had proposed the most eligible offer.

The other company involved appealed this decision and after a case was duly opened and studied by the board of contracts, it was declined.

This confirmed that the decision taken by the adjudication board regarding the awarding of this contract were just, the ministry said.

It is true that Josef Azzopardi had started certain works, but these were made on three sites which were not included in the appeal made by the company in question.

Thus, had this appeal been accepted, the company making it would not have been eligible to undertake these works because it had never applied to do them in the first place, the ministry said.