The Ministry of Infrastructure should provide explanations as to how the company Silovye Mashiny, which is part of the Horus consortium, obtained the possibility of modernizing one of the three energy blocks of Termoelectrica, said representatives of civil society according to whom the annulment of the tender contest and the initiation of direct negotiations with a controversial company generates suspicions. For their part, representatives of the government said the National Anticorruption Center (NAC) turned its attention to this case and will investigate the way in which the contract with Horus was signed, IPN reports.

At the end of June, Horus was designated winner as a result of direct negotiations on the rehabilitation of an energy block of Termoelectrica. Horus also won the previous tender contest that was annulled after it was established that Silovye Mashiny, which is a partner company of Horus, was under international sanctions. According to experts, the Ministry of Infrastructure should provide explanations over this issue as soon as possible.

“When a tender contest is held, the determination of eligibility is the first stage. The examination of figures follows next. If you do not meet particular criteria, the bid is not examined. Furthermore, the same companies earlier took part in a tender contest that included this stage and all the three had qualified then. Aren’t they eligible now? What happened meanwhile? This story does not look well. It is not the first tender contest that generates questions. There is also the tender contest for building a high-voltage power line,” expert Valeriu Pașa stated in the program “Secrets of the Power” on JurnalTV channel.

“Termoelectrica has the thermoelectric plant CET - 2 that consists of three energy blocks. These produce electricity and heat. One of the blocks was repaired 5-10 years ago. Another block can no longer function, while the third one will go out of commission in autumn. This means we can remain without two energy blocks ahead of winter. I’m not sure that Silovye Mashiny has the capacity to modernize energy blocks. Furthermore, I cannot understand how a tender contest can be announced, the three bids can be disqualified, the contest can be annulled and direct negotiations can be held in 24 hours. Termoelectrica and the Ministry of Infrastructure should provide responses,” said energy expert Sergiu Tofilat.

Representatives of the government said the NAC is examining the case, but Horus was chosen because it is the only company that has the parts needed to repair the block of Termoelectrica.

“The National Anticorruption Center was notified of this case so that it determines how the contract was signed. There are a number of questions and we want answers. We are told that particular spare parts can be brought only through this company,” said PAS MP Lilian Carp.

According to representatives of Termoelectrica, the energy blocks started to be used in 1970-1980 and substantial modernization works on the heating components haven’t been executed since then.