A LEGAL battle has erupted over the tendering process for the new Paphos marina at Potima Bay area of Kissonerga that may result in its construction being put on hold.
The Pandora Group (Leptos) was awarded the contract last June following a hotly contested bidding process with Aristo and Pafilia. But Aristo, the runner-up in the contest, objected to the award alleging irregularities in the submission of documents required for the tendering process.
Aristo’s objection was upheld and a committee was set up to examine the situation. Subsequently Pandora’s contract was annulled and the contract to build the marina was awarded to Aristo.
In the latest development Pandora has decided to take the matter to the Supreme Court on several legal grounds. The Group claims it was not consulted during the revision procedures where their initial tender was re-examined. It also claims that the government will lose €2 million a year in rent if the marina contract is awarded to Aristo.
The marina has been the subject of much speculation over the years. With a capacity of 1,000 vessels, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism said that it would help enhance quality maritime tourism. However, many critics of the scheme doubt that the facilities will ever be built and have accused the authorities of simply trying to boost property prices in the area with the promise of a marina.
