PAHA studying request to probe complaints related to contracts

‘Some ministries not concerned with expenditure regulations’

KUWAIT CITY, July 15: The Board of Directors of Public Authority for Housing Affairs (PAHA) is studying a request to form a neutral committee to investigate complaints related to contracts floated by PAHA, reports AlQabas daily.

Sources said the State Minister for Housing Affairs and Services Dr Jenan Bu Shehri referred a memo to the board of directors at PAHA requesting amendment to the investigation mechanism for complaints related to contracts and tenders, stressing that members of the same investigation committee are responsible for studying and deciding price offers for contracts and tenders, which makes them play the role of defendant and judge at the same time.

Bu Shehri reiterated that relevant laws organizing tenders and contract floating stipulate the formation of an independent committee to review complaints filed by contractors and investors.

Although the deficit in the country’s budget over the last four years has reached tens of billion Kuwaiti dinars, it seems certain governmental authorities are not concerned with the recommended rationalization and regulation of expenditures, reports Al-Rai daily.

The daily obtained a copy of a document showing that a ministry announced its intention to import precious gifts.

At a time a letter stating conditions and technical specifications for such gifts was presented, some people pointed out this practice defeats the purpose of all economic and financial reforms due to the insistence of some institutions to continue with such moves, especially if there is a budget surplus.