Madam Speaker, I am informed that following the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Trading Corporation sought the services of its then service provider, namely Mauriclean Ltd to disinfect its premises in view of resumption of work and other economic activities in May 2020. However, the latter was not operational during this period. I am further informed that the STC then launched a tender for the decontamination of its Head Office at Ebène, its two warehouses in Mer Rouge and Roche Bois, and for its fleet of vehicles to seven potential bidders. Of these seven companies, six submitted their quotations which were as follows – (i) Services 2000 Ltd. for Rs68,000;

28 (ii) Alpha Pest Management for Rs99,215; (iii) Neeteeselect Ltd for Rs91,000 during normal hours and Rs121,000 for odd hours; (iv) Pajelo Cleaning Services Ltd for Rs176,525; (v) Final Cleaning Ltd for Rs565,539, and (vi) Aqua Science and Technology Ltd for Rs61,399.11 Based on the evaluation exercise carried out by the STC, the contract was awarded to Neeteeselect Ltd, which was found by the STC to be lowest substantially responsive bidder for the price of Rs121,000. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that in June 2020, the STC carried out a second decontamination exercise in one of its warehouses and its vehicles. The STC availed itself of the services of Neeteeselect directly on the same terms and conditions as the first contract for a total value of Rs85,000. I am further informed by the STC that based on the certification of a Health and Safety Officer of the STC that the decontamination exercise was successfully carried out in his presence. The total cost of Rs206,000 for the disinfection carried out by Neeteeselect Ltd. at the STC post-COVID was paid to the contractor.

Supplementary!

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Can the hon. Minister inform the House whether he is aware that the manual workers of the STC are claiming that they did the cleaning and they were promised to get paid? Unfortunately, they did not get any remuneration for the cleaning they did at the STC’s Head Office building at Ebène, STC warehouse at Mer Rouge and STC warehouse at Roche Bois. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Minister!

Madam Speaker, I have also heard the same version. However, the management of the STC is insisting that the disinfection was carried out by the employees of Neeteeselect. On the other hand, the manual workers at the STC are claiming that they did the job without any remuneration which was promised by the then management of the STC. The STC however, confirmed that the maintenance section and a few handy workers actually carried out the following – (i) internal and external cleanings at the STC head office;

29 (ii) internal and external cleanings at shed A and Roche Bois warehouses. Madam Speaker, I will request the board of STC to do an investigation and the matter will be referred to the FCC if need be.

Yes, thank you. Hon. Juman.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can I know from the hon. Minister the date of incorporation of the company, nature of business and also the date the contract was awarded?

Madam Speaker, I have the information from the registrar of companies. The date incorporated was 21st April 2020. The name of the company – Neeteeselect Ltd. The category is domestic. The status is live under winding up process and the contract was awarded on the next month which was in May 2020.

Shame!

After incorporation you mean? Next month after incorporation?

Yes.

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Can the Minister inform the House who is the General Manager and their shareholders of the Neeteeselect Ltd? Thank you.

Madam Speaker, as per the Registrar of Companies Mrs Keshwaree Poonyth is the GM and the sole shareholder is Ms Neeta Nuckchhed.

Yes, a last one.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the Minister inform the House if the contractor is specialised or accredited in bio-hazard or pandemic related sanitation? Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I do not think so as per the Registrar of Companies, it is written domestic and nature private. I am also informed from the STC that no due diligence was carried out. I am informed that the National Audit office even raised concerns that the STC did not do so.

Hon. Members, the Table has been informed that PQ B/543 has been withdrawn. MOTORWAY M4 PROJECT, PHASE 2 – PONT BLANC TO BEL AIR – PROJECT DETAILS