Pukapuka threaten to reject EU aid

Thursday 26: Outer island community objects to overseas company getting contract

Pukapuka could turn down the building of the European Commission-funded cyclone centre, after a local company’s unsuccessful bid to design and supervise the project.

Pukapuka community president on Rarotonga, Makirere Poila, says they intend to write to the European Union to register their disappointment after an evaluation committee awarded the tender to an overseas company.

The design and supervision contract is reportedly worth 168,000 Euros or $398,482, and the construction part of the project is expected to cost about 600,000 Euros or $1,426,620.

“If this is the final decision by the evaluation committee for an overseas company to work on the Pukapuka cyclone centre, then we do not accept this and object to the project going ahead,” says Poila. “We will not need the assistance of the EU and its evaluation committee to come and work on our island – they may take their money and centre elsewhere.”

Poila says that Romanidesign – run by Pukapukan architect Romani Katoa – lost out ‘by one point’ to an overseas company and they put this down to the decision made by the evaluation committee.

“What this committee’s decision shows me and our people of Pukapuka, is that we are again at the mercy of these evaluation committees that have no idea about how these projects should be done, especially in the outer islands.”

What is even more disappointing to Poila is that there are a few Chamber of Commerce representatives on this committee, who he says should be supporting locals ahead of those from overseas.

“It is interesting to read that the Chamber of Commerce support local industry and blame government for giving jobs and projects to overseas companies, and yet the same members on this evaluation committee have awarded this local project to an overseas company.

“What will happen when it comes to selection of a contractor to build the cyclone centre? It would most likely go to an overseas company again, therefore more local companies and businesses miss out on jobs and money that could contribute to our local economy.”

Poila says Pukapuka is serious about turning down the project and he has the support of the MP, the island secretary, island council and the traditional leaders.

“I can assure you that my people have survived many cyclones and natural disasters for many years and without a cyclone centre and with little assistance. It is now four years since cyclone Percy, and the restructuring of Pukapuka is still not complete.”

Romani Katoa did not want to comment on the issue, and the chairman of the evaluation committee, foreign affairs secretary Mike Mitchell, has been invited to comment.

The design and supervision contract was awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, with financial assistance from the European Commission. - Moana Moeka’a