According to the information provided by the municipality, the works were stopped due to the dishonest behavior of the entrepreneur.
The solutions used in the replacement process have caused concerns about the operational safety of the building, so the municipality has decided to temporarily stop the work and ordered an independent construction expert.
As informed by the municipality, there are concerns that essential requirements for the installation and manufacture of buildings – mechanical strength and stability – have not been met, because the detailing of metal structures with essential structural nodes has not been developed by a certified building construction designer, therefore the safety, operability and level of durability of the structure is not ensured.
During the inspection, the construction supervisor concluded that the assembly sequence technology of the canopy structures, as well as the project for the execution of the works, had not been submitted. At the same time, other technical defects were also observed, such as scratches and uneven paint coverage on metal structures, crooked and bent embedded screws, etc.
Considering these inconsistencies, the municipality, as a demanding client, cannot accept the quality of such works and has requested explanations from the construction contractor SIA “Palami” in order to make sure that the sheds comply with the project, are durable and of appropriate quality.
In order to verify the quality of the sheds and compliance with safety requirements, the municipality ordered an independent construction expert from SIA “AB Clausen Latvia”. The expertise will evaluate the documentation of the sheds, check its compliance with the terms of the contract and the requirements of regulatory acts. At the same time, inspections of the structural elements of the sheds will also be carried out.
If the municipality is not fully convinced of the entrepreneur’s ability to supply safe and high-quality bus shelters, it will consider the possibility of announcing a new procurement.
Currently, the municipality SIA “Palami” has calculated the maximum contractual penalty for the delay in the delivery of goods in the amount of 47,800 euros for non-fulfillment of contractual obligations within the specified deadlines.
It has already been reported that it is planned to replace most of the outdated public transport stops in Riga in the coming years, replacing them with more convenient ones that meet modern requirements. In general, the municipality plans to improve all bus stops in its administrative territory in the future, installing a total of 500 new shelters.
In the open procurement for the purchase of canopies for public transport stops in the spring of last year, four applicants applied. “Palami” was recognized as the winner because it offered the shortest delivery period and the lowest estimated amount.
Agency LETA contacted the company to find out the company’s opinion on the situation. However, the employee of the company explained that the company would not comment and ended the conversation.
According to the information on the website of the “Palami” group, the company has more than 30 years of experience. It works with high-end LED technology. “We have taken LED screens, flexible screens and media facades to a new level, paying attention to the quality of both external and internal screens,” the information on the website says.
The homepage also shows visualizations with stops where screens are placed. The company’s vision is to provide LED solutions that “illuminate the world, leaving an indelible mark of sophistication and innovation”, but its mission is to create an unparalleled visual experience for demanding users around the world with the help of LED technology. Meanwhile, the company’s values are to prioritize customer satisfaction, take responsibility, strive for excellence.
According to “Firmas.lv” information, SIA “Palami” was registered in 2010. Its share capital is 3,500 euros.
The owner of the company is Pavels Agronins, a citizen of Belarus. Last year, the company worked with a turnover of 2.4 million euros and a profit of 350,000 euros.
In the 2023 Latvian Business annual report, the company ranks first in the lighting equipment manufacturing sector.
This year, it was planned to install approximately 180 shelters in Riga.
The development of the design documentation for the placement or replacement of shelters of the public transport stops of the first stage cost 12,100 euros. It was planned that their installation and production would cost approximately 1 million euros.