Tender documents made public reveal the Water Authority of Fiji will require the successful contractor to cover all costs for four WAF personnel to travel overseas to witness factory acceptance testing of purchased pumps, along with a range of travel requirements.
These include the contractor paying for visa applications, airfares, accommodation of at least three-star standard, and other related expenses for a minimum of 10 working days, excluding travel time.
The tender relates to the purchase of about 100 submersible sewer pumps from a particular manufacturer.
The document also states that WAF personnel will need to visit sites and facilities to observe how the pumps operate.
WAF has not indicated to The Fiji Times whether this trip will take place before or after the awarding of the tender.
“Why should a contractor pay for such a trip that is related to a tender?” said a local company representative familiar with the process, who sought anonymity.
“This trip could act as an inducement for WAF staff to act favourably or in support of the company should any other tenders arise in the future.”
“I have been in this business long enough to know this looks like a paid junket for WAF staff to sign off any future contracts for the successful company that no doubt will run into the millions.
WAF said that since the tender is currently live and subject to the evaluation process, it is unable to comment on any tender-specific matters at this stage.
“This position is consistent with the need to preserve the integrity, fairness, and propriety of the procurement process,” WAF said.
WAF added that its procurement requirements are guided by principles of sound governance, due diligence, and quality assurance, particularly where critical operational equipment and infrastructure are concerned.
“Such requirements are aligned with standard industry practice and are intended to ensure that all assets procured for essential service delivery are fit for purpose and meet the technical, performance, and quality standards required by WAF.”
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, did not respond to questions sent to him.
