The Ministry of Infrastructure has become embroiled in an embarrassing affair over reported savings made over the past two years.

Two months ago, business daily Puls Biznesu questioned what had happened to some 16 billion zloty (4 billion euro) that was declared to have been saved during tenders in the years 2009-2010.

The funds were under the management of the General Directorate for National Roads and Highways (GDDKiA).

The matter was seized upon by opposition member and former Minister of Infrastructure Jerzy Polaczek. The Law and Justice politician wrote to Civic Platform Prime Minister Donald Tusk, asking for clarity on the situation.

A response was dispatched by the current Ministry of Infrastructure, claiming that the press “had misled public opinion.”

The ministry denies that the GDDKiA ever made such statements about colossal savings. However, Puls Biznesu insists to the contrary, adding that promises had been made to direct the savings to other worthy projects.

The paper notes that even last month, Infrastructure Minister Cezary Grabarczyk noted that the government would make use of savings in connection with the current 400 million zloty (100 million euro) tender for the new Augustow bypass in the Podlasie region. (nh/jb)