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Feb 19 - GSD Say Government Has A Value For Money Problem

The GSD say the Government’s reaction to their policy on the Award & Supervision of Public Contracts is "weak and unbelievable".

A statement from the GSD follows below:

To the extent that the Government would have Gibraltar believe that they are running an open, efficient and value for money process in respect of public contracts that is simply unbelievable.

The policies announced by the GSD last week are clearly not being followed already nor are they unworkable. It is clear that there is a need for better controls, greater transparency and enhanced value for money. Commercial sensitivities cannot be a cloak behind which the Government hides.

Keith Azopardi said: “When taxpayers’ monies are being used to fund public contracts it is right that the tender process and reasons for adjudication be public. There is much to be saved by introducing better and more enhanced value for money practices and applying these to all Government companies, statutory bodies and sub- contracts in a rigorous and efficient way. That is not happening today and the opaqueness and potential for wastage in public contracts – especially in the construction field – is rife.”

Roy Clinton said: “The fact that the Government cannot even recognise that there are value for money and transparency issues shows how out of touch they are with what concerns people and how much there is a need to change how things are being handled.”



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