Algeria bans Hassi Messaoud New City deal

Algerian energy ministry cancelled the Hassi Messaoud New City deal upon request from President Bouteflika after he checked reports about the contract winners, Echorouk has learnt.

• Wrongdoings would have been raised in the deal worth $8 million which was won by Canadian SMC Lavalin, said the same sources.
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• The call for tender was announced in July 2009.
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• Sources say the decision came after the president had been following up the case and asked for detailed reports about it.
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• “The project was offered by the energy ministry while it was the prerogative of housing ministry.”