The Ministry of Infrastructure (MI) has canceled a €4.4 million tender for the installation of an intelligent lighting system and security cameras on the “Ibrahim Rugova” (R7) and “Arbën Xhaferi” (R6) highways.
Reasons for Cancellation: Lack of Expertise and Bidder Complaints
According to the tender dossier, the cancellation was prompted by several complaints received from various operators and a recognition that the Department for Road Management lacks the professional expertise in lighting to address these concerns. The ministry aims to prepare a “better” and “fully functional” tender announcement that aligns with the project’s original intent. The tender was initially launched in early May of this year.
“Given that there have been complaints from various operators regarding this document, and given that the DMRr [Department for Road Management] lacks professional expertise in the field of lighting to respond to these concerns, and with the aim of re-preparing a better document that will be fully functional for the purpose for which it was initiated, I propose that within your competencies, authorizations, and responsibilities, you cancel this procurement process,” the dossier states.
One company has already filed a complaint with the Procurement Review Body, alleging violations of several provisions of the Public Procurement Law.
Project Scope and Security Concerns
The project aims to enhance road safety on highways R6 and R7 and their connecting nodes, which are under the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure’s management. Beyond just lighting, the initiative was also intended to include air measurement equipment, intelligent VMS (Variable Message Sign) warning boards for traffic safety messages, and security surveillance cameras.
The cameras were deemed crucial for preventing the misuse and theft of public assets, such as electrical transformers and other accompanying equipment. The dossier highlights that in the past, all electrical equipment on highway R7 was demolished or stolen, causing significant financial damage.
The installation, control, and management of the cameras will comply with the Law on Personal Data Protection.
