Dispute over Okecie bid likely to be reviewed by ministry

The governmental Infrastructure Committee yesterday strongly criticized the result and handling of the tender bid to develop Warsaw's Okecie airport, which was organized by the Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL). Members of Parliament accused the company of not revealing full details of relevant information concerning the project to the three consortiums which participated in tender process, namely Hochtief, Strabag and Ferrovial-Budimex. The latter, which won the contract, was apparently the only one aware of additional land which could also be used for the project. PLL representatives officially denied all the accusations, simply repeating their claims that the Ferrovial-Budimex consortium had offered the best terms. Their project will cost $198.95 million, as against $270 million quoted by Strabag. The results of the recent tender were challenged by Hochtief and Strabag. Over the next few days the director of PPL will make his statement on the issue, however he is likely to reject the claims of the protesting parties. This could mean the case will be re-examined by the Infrastructure Ministry. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B5) A.K.