Grendel: Defence Ministry Fined €100,000 Concerning Reconstruction of Kukurica

Bratislava, 9 February (TASR) - The Defence Ministry has been fined €100,000 by the Public Procurement Office (UVO) in relation to the reconstruction of a former student dormitory in Bratislava known as Kukurica [The Corn on the Cob — due to the building's shape], opposition MP Gabor Grendel ('Slovakia'– 'For the People') announced on Monday, adding that the ministry breached the law seventeen times. UVO spokeswoman Simona Brejova has confirmed for TASR that two fines totalling €100,000 have been imposed, but they aren't yet final, as an appeal has been filed by a party to the proceedings. "Everyone has already heard about the overpriced Kukurica, but [Defence Minister] Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) somehow forgot to boast about the fact that his subordinates have breached the law at least 17 times, with UVO imposing a fine of more than €100,000. This isn't a minor mistake; this is a systemic failure and clear proof of this being another Kalinak scandal," stated Grendel. Referring to UVO's decision, the 'Slovakia' party claimed that most of the breaches have occurred during Kalinak's term in office. "These have included, in particular, intentionally splitting contracts to avoid above-threshold procurement, as well as breaches of the principles of transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination in a major contract worth more than €11 million," stated the opposition party's spokesperson Matus Bystriansky. "We can confirm that UVO has imposed fines totalling approximately €100,000 that are not yet final. The first fine (of more than €92,000) was imposed due to a contract for construction work being split in order to avoid a procedure for awarding an above-threshold contract. The second fine (roughly €8,000) was imposed for other breaches of the Public Procurement Act that could have had an impact on the outcome of the public procurement procedure," said Brejova, adding that the appeal is currently being reviewed by the UVO head, acting as the second-instance authority. The opposition has long criticised the reconstruction of the building and raised objections especially with regard to the price. Complaints have also been lodged by people living in the surrounding area who have been bothered by light from a large LED screen installed on the building. In addition, the Value for Money department at the Finance Ministry has repeatedly recommended that the Defence Ministry should prepare an occupancy plan for the premises, fearing insufficient use of the building. The Defence Ministry has so far denied any wrongdoing. jrg/df