Omani construction firms have urged the government to set up a separate ministry for public works in order to expedite the process of awarding public project contracts.
In a meeting with Tender Board officials, executives from a number of contracting firms also said giving more powers to the Board would eliminate several hurdles currently facing the authorities due to delay in coordination with several government agencies.
Chairman of the Tender Board, Dr Rasheed Assafi Al Huraiby said that in some instances, bidding firms seek an extension of the deadline to form consortiums when they bid for large complicated projects.
“The delay is not from our side. Companies request for extending tender submission dates,” Al Huraiby said.
The total value of contracts awarded by the Tender Board in the first six months of 2012 jumped 33%, compared with the same period last year, he noted.