Ordino Cancels Sports Centre Roof Tender Over No Bids, Relaunches With Easier Rules

The Ordino parish council has cancelled the tender for the first phase of roof repairs at the Centre Esportiu d'Ordino due to a lack of bids and approved a new call with relaxed experience requirements to attract more contractors.

Consuls Maria del Mar Coma and Eduard Betriu announced the move at Thursday's council meeting, describing it as a recurring challenge since the current term began. Coma explained that public works tenders often fail because no companies bid or because offers greatly exceed budgets. She linked the issue to intense private sector demand, especially apartment projects, which overshadow public contracts. "Companies have a lot of work and our tenders are not as attractive as private ones," she said, noting that not all firms qualify for certain public jobs.

The April tender carried a €303,894 budget to address persistent water leaks, with work slated to begin by late June had bids arrived. Officials now plan to ease technical criteria, particularly years of experience, in the relaunched process. Coma added that the parish sometimes seeks informal market quotes beforehand to gauge prices—a practice shared by other parishes.

The session also addressed the Pla d’Ordenació i Urbanisme Parroquial (POUP). Coma emphasised that load capacity studies formed its foundation, commissioned before drafting and integrated into the plan to sequence development, spot infrastructure gaps like water network bottlenecks, and guide investments. "We're organising the timing so construction doesn't happen all at once, but gradually," she said. The council endorsed the government's conclusions report on these studies, which align with the POUP and support future planning. Coma recognised over-dependence on building revenues as a long-term issue, calling for new activities—primarily a central government responsibility. About 20 appeals against the POUP await Batllia decisions. Minority councillor Enric Dolsa confirmed a recent review showed no major issues in the load study, though technical talks continue.

Councillors approved a €20,000 credit increase for Cercle Màgic activities, in case last year's Santa Claus House operator does not return, leading to a new €30,000 tender.

Dolsa flagged overtime discrepancies, noting one worker received nearly €1,000 monthly—60-70% above peers. Coma suggested it likely involved specialised congress centre staff handling heating, air conditioning, microphones, and lights for events, pending further review.

These issues underscore pressures on Andorra's construction sector, where private growth hampers public projects.