Contract awarded for construction of 36 new bus shelters revoked
CORFU. Deputy Mayor says project will be put out to tender again very soon.
The Corfu public using urban buses will need to be patient until new bus shelters are installed at the points where they have been removed, exposing them to the weather conditions.
The contractor for the project "Supply of equipment, construction, transportation, and installation of 36 shelters for the creation or upgrade of bus stops" in Central Corfu Municipality, was declared to have failed to fulfill its obligations by the Municipal Committee. This was because it did not execute its contractual obligation within the time frame provided (including extensions) which was until 31/12/2023, despite the telephone complaints and online messages from the competent authority.
Put out to tender again
The project, however, is scheduled to be put out to tender again very soon, the Deputy Mayor of Technical Works - Technical Services, Andreas Kardonas told Enimerosi. He added that, due to the increase in costs, it is not out of the question that there will be a reduction in the number of shelters that will ultimately be placed within the geographical boundaries of the Central Municipality.
The dismantling and removal of outdated and dangerous shelters at bus stops began last March by teams from the Municipality's Operational Works Department. In many cases, they were expected to be replaced by new ones, as part of the project funded by PHILODIMOS II, involving the supply of equipment, construction, transportation, and installation of 36 shelters for the creation or upgrade of bus stops, with a total budget of €133,469.88, implemented by the Municipality.
The relevant proposal of the Municipality for inclusion in this specific funding programme was approved on 14-01-2021. The project is funded with €100,000 from the Ministry of Interior, and the remaining amount (€33,469.88) is covered by the Municipality's own resources. This specific project is part of the participation of the Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands Municipality in the European Commission's '100 Intelligent Cities Challenge' programme.
Design
According to the initial design, besides providing protection to passengers, the shelters will offer user safety, a comfortable waiting environment, parking space, manoeuvrability for wheelchairs, sufficient lighting, online passenger information, and a suitable point for displaying informational material.
MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
Photo: Enimerosi archive
