Construction firm comments on hockey arena reconstruction work

Ingsteel company reconstructed the Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava in less than two years for €73.1 million, excluding VAT, and proceeded in accordance with the approved architectural design, the company head, Anton Bezák, told a press conference on May 20, the TASR newswire wrote. The stadium hosted the recent Ice Hockey World Championships.

Ingsteel company reconstructed the Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava in less than two years for €73.1 million, excluding VAT, and proceeded in accordance with the approved architectural design, the company head, Anton Bezák, told a press conference on May 20, the TASR newswire wrote. The stadium hosted the recent Ice Hockey World Championships.

Finance Minister Ivan Mikloš (SDKÚ) sent a letter to Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ) chairman Ján Jasovský on May 16 asking for an investigation into the reconstruction work as questions have been raised as to whether the money was spent in an efficient manner.

“I'm sure we've made a great arena,” said Bezák, while also rejecting allegations that Ingsteel is linked to entrepreneur Juraj Široký, one of Slovakia's richest men and allegedly a sponsor of the leading opposition Smer party.

Bezák rejected claims that three brand new arenas could have been built for the same cost.

The revamped stadium's special features, such as a two-storey carpark and double- and triple-layer cladding, were included in response requests from the owner, the construction firm’s head stated.

A 16-percent hike in the total amount – originally projected at €62.9 million excluding VAT – was due to modifications to the extent and standards of reconstruction work as demanded by the owner and architects, said Bezák, adding that this work that was not listed in the tender but was necessary for the stadium to meet its purpose.

Source: TASR

Compiled by Jana Liptáková from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.

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