Local firm Somers Construction has been awarded three contracts by Government since the One Bermuda Alliance took office, with a total value of more than $4.5 million.

The firm was taken on for painting and repairs to bus shelter roofs in April 2013, for $26,000, and received a $4.5 million contract for a steam turbine generator building a year later. There was also a $1,953 contract on May 15 for interior painting of an electrical room.

Craig Cannonier, Minister of Public Works, said the first two contracts had been open to tender. For the bus shelters job, another landscaper pitched $15,000 for the work, prompting Opposition MP Derrick Burgess to query why the lower estimate was not chosen.

Mr Cannonier said the Office of Project Management and Procurement would have awarded the job to whichever was deemed best.