Prominent French Polynesians questioned over alleged favouritism

11:27 am on 13 October 2017

Six people in French Polynesia, including two former ministers, have been taken in for questioning for alleged favouritism over the attribution of a public works contract.

French Polynesia. Papeete waterfront

French Polynesia, Papeete waterfront Photo: RNZ

According to Radio1, investigators are probing how in 2015 the contract to provide street lighting along Papeete's waterfront was allocated.

Implicated are top public servants and two former works ministers, Albert Solia and Bruno Marty, who is also a former head of the company Spres, which secured the contract.

No charges have been laid.

Reports said Spres had earlier been given another public sector contract although it failed to meet tendering conditions.

As a result, the courts this year ordered the government to pay almost $US400,000 to a company which had missed out in the tenedering process.