Pafos Press 7 February 2024
The Mayor of Paphos, Phaedonas Phaedonos, was presented today as a "lightning in the sky" in relation to the termination of the disciplinary proceedings against contracting companies for the SAPA case. As he states in his statement, this decision is a "challenge, insult and blow to the fight against corruption".
Same announcement F. Phaedonos
The decision to end the disciplinary proceedings against contracting companies involved in the SAPA scandal is a huge challenge and insult to public sentiment and a blow to the fight against corruption.
The decision of the Council for the Registration and Control of Construction and Technical Works Contractors to end the disciplinary proceedings and the discharge of contracting companies that were involved in the corruption and entanglement cases of the Paphos Sewerage Board, is a huge challenge and an insult to the public feeling of accountability and punishment of those involved in such scandals, but also a strong blow against the effort to fight the phenomena of corruption and entanglement in our country.
It is provocative and at the same time heartbreaking the fact that the institution charged with the disciplinary control of contractors, has shown an inexplicable negligence or wilful omission in relation to the prosecution of said contractor companies, with the result that, citing the lapse of a long period of time, to end the prosecution. Almost eight years since the initiation of the disciplinary proceedings (July 18, 2016) have not been long enough to complete the adjudication of the cases and questions of motive and intent are relentlessly raised for those with statutory authority and responsibility.
The Council for Registration and Control of Construction and Technical Works Contractors is a public law legal entity. Its members, which include senior government officials, are appointed, in accordance with the relevant legislation, by the Council of Ministers after a proposal by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. Since 2016, the administrators have changed several times, but the reluctance to conduct the disciplinary trial has remained unchanged.
It is obvious that the members of the competent bodies of the Council did not do their duty and and for this reason, the Legal Service of the Republic and other competent authorities of the State must take measures with determination and practical respect for public sentiment.
