Officials delayed the bidding process for three projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday after heated arguments between bidders broke out in Kompong Cham province’s Choeung Prey district, local officials said on Thursday.
The bidders began arguing over claims that newcomers were attempting to submit late bids, said Mao Kong, Sampoang Chey commune chief.
“The bidders began arguing with each other and making lots of noise in the room so the committee decided to cancel the bidding process,” said Mr. Kong.
The three development projects—part of the Tonle Sap Poverty Reduction Project—include two road reparation contracts in Sampoang Chey and Trapaing Kor communes and the restoration of a 1,900-meter-long canal in Sdoeung Chey commune, said a local official from the provincial investment and planning office who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media.
Mr. Kong said officials will meet with bidders today to discuss the incident and set a date for a new bid-off.\
