Salini wants Karuma case out of court

By Edward Anyoli

The lawyers representing Salini, one of the bidders in the construction of Karuma Hydro Power Project have proposed to settle the case out of court.

Enos Tumusiime and Mac- Dosman Kabega last week proposed to court presided over by Justice Eldad Mwangusya that the case be settled amicably without going into litigations.

The energy ministry last month suspended the tendering process for the $2.2b Karuma dam, following a court case filed by Salini, citing irregularities.

The interim order by Salini was, however, dismissed by Justice Mwangusya, who argued that the process of review could have gone on without Salini blocking the bidding through an injunction.

State Attorney George Kallemera said he needed time to consult with the Attorney General over the matter.

The proposal was made in court in the presence the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority officials Esther Kusiima and Cornelia Sabiti, the executive director.

Salini lawyers argued that their client was unfairly left out at the technical and financial evaluation in the biding process.

They argued that the opening of financial bids of engineering, procurement and construction of the project was marred by irregularities.