He deputy of We make Federal Coalition Nicolas Massot expressed his worry for the specifications for the tender of the Waterway, by noticing that it is “absolutely directed” to the current supplier. For this reason, within the framework of the session for policies against gambling, he asked the president of the lower house, Martin Menemto summon the auditor of the General Administration of Ports, Gaston Alejo Benvenuto already Iñaki Miguel ArreseygorUndersecretary of Navigable Waterways, to clarify doubts.
He stressed that it is “the most important work in the country” and added that “It is probably one of the largest concession contracts in Argentine history.” On social networks, had indicated that the document was a “tailor-made suit for the current supplier.”
“What was published is a scandal. It is an absolutely directed document for the background requiredin the billing and net worth criteria, regarding the shortness of the deadlines. It occurs in the middle of the end-of-year holidays and the judicial fair with the difficulty that this poses for challenges. Only 60 days for the presentation of offers in one of the largest concession contracts in our history,” the deputy emphasized during his presentation.
Furthermore, he warned that it could be a “continuity of a series of collusions that have occurred on the part of the Executive power“and exemplified with “the inclination of the court with the tobacco taxes or with some sectors associated with gambling so that this law is not discussed,” He said in reference to the law on gambling addiction that is being discussed this afternoon.
“I don’t read the future, I only read the document: there will be no alternative bidders who are in a position to participate competitively. This violates some of the most basic principles of administrative law such as the criteria of reasonableness and transparency. None of that has been accomplished and we are about to give it 30 years or 60 in a targeted manner. and who knows with what connivance the largest contract to the company that is currently providing that service,” he warned.
In this way, he reiterated the request for a meeting with officials in the lower housesince the debate period in commissions ended, to “understand if this is not what it seems” and “see how it can be clarified and eventually corrected to guarantee competitiveness in this which is so important for the future exporter of Argentina”.
“We want the situation not to escalate, not only in this room but judicially because Obviously there are many interested in participating in this work who will have no other way than to judicialize the issue.. “Argentina cannot wait any longer to carry out these works,” concluded Massot.
The Government opened the bidding document for the Waterway
Last week, the Chief of Staff, Guillermo Francos, announced the beginning of the privatization of the Waterway with a 30 year contract. The decision was later ratified in the Official Gazette.
In this way, the Trunk Navigable Way will once again be private concessionat business risk, and in which the State will no longer be linked to management and road maintenance. This tender will be carried out by the Undersecretariat of Ports and Navigable Waterways, and offers will be received until January 29, 2025.
As specified in the model contract, it is a tender for a period of 30 years, which ”will allow a broad participation of the most important companies in the world in terms of river-maritime works”. Furthermore, there will be strong demands that guarantee the track record and technical capacity of the companies that apply, as well as their financial solvency.
Source: Ambito
