PNQ: Bachoo Denies Favored One of Bidders to Tolling System

Anil Bachoo defended tooth and nail the proposed toll road in parliament on Tuesday, July 2.According to him, everything was done in the standards, especially with regard to the award of the contract for the "Toll project." According to him, there is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Unit within the Ministry of Finance, which in the eyes of those projects that require support from the private sector. He also said that several roads completed or those still under construction will be covered by the toll system. And, in order to reduce the number of vehicles that converge on the capital daily.

The leader of the Opposition Alan Ganoo sought clarification on the roads to be dedicated to this project. Especially if one of the bidders have been favored in the bidding. According to him, it was authorized to modify the file. Anil Bachoo says, however, that with respect to the allegations of bribery in the press, the police in conjunction with the Anti-Corruption Commission, have already initiated an investigation into the matter. 

On the issue of favoritism toward a bidder, says Anil Bachoo two consortia have been selected and are as follows: One was awarded the contract and the other was referred to as Bidder Reserved. But it will be the "successful bidder" to implement the management of the toll system and that the government will fund the project to the tune of 80%, as a "loan" offered to the bidder.

At this stage, negotiations are still underway regarding the terms of a management agreement supports Anil Bachoo. If there would not agree, the other bidder will be called in reinforcements, said the minister.

According to the feasibility study, the Ring Road, Phase I and Phase II, the Dream Bridge, the Harbour Bridge, the T-Junction at Pont Fer Phoenix Terre Rouge-Verdun will be covered by the toll.