Oppn alleges fraud in garbage collection contract

Oppn alleges fraud in garbage collection contract

PIMPRI: Even as the controversy over tenders of Rs 425 crore of road work in Pimpri Chinchwad still rages on, the members of Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have blamed the ruling BJP of yet another corruption charge. This time, they have alleged that a cartel was at work at the time of awarding the door to door collection of garbage tender for the city.

The opposing corporators alleged that the tender has been awarded to the contractor, who was disqualified in 2007. Shiv Sena and NCP corporators have alleged that the estimate prepared by Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) was defective, as it was done on the basis of the experience in New Delhi and Navi Mumbai.

The members alleged that the tender was awarded to the cartel consisting of both the contractors participating in the tender process. In this tender, the Standing Committee had estimated that this exercise would cost Rs 56 crore to PCMC annually. The corporators claimed that both the contractors - AG Enviro Infra and BVG - will be making more money as the overall duration of this tender is of eight years.

Later, Shiv Sena’s group leader in PCMC Rahul Kalate, NCP’s working president Prashant Shitole and corporator Amit Gawde held a press conference accusing the ruling party of corruption in this tender.

Prashant Shitole said, “In 2007, the BVG company was disqualified for this work. We would like to know from the ruling party, how come this company became eligible? It is being informed that this agency is going to collect only household waste. We are sure that the cartel took place at the time of awarding the tender. Besides, the bid is 12 per cent above the estimated cost. The ruling party must come clear on this.”

The Standing Committee of PCMC approved this proposal on Wednesday. The corporators opposing this award of tender have submitted 51 questions regarding the proposal to the municipal commissioner. However, the commissioner did not issue any clarification.

Rahul Kalate said, “Even after our continuous follow-up, the administration has not shared details regarding this tender. When we sent a letter to the concerned officer, the officer delayed sharing of the information and when we approached the civic chief, he also gave information just one day before the Standing Committee meeting.”

Standing Committee Chief Seema Savale clarified that the tender process was carried out in a transparent manner. Savale claimed that the Opposition does not have any technical issue to oppose it and they are opposing it for the sake of opposing. 

HOW WILL IT FUNCTION?
- The door to door collection of garbage contract in Pimpri-Chinchwad city and transporting it to Moshi garbage depot was given to AG Enviro Infra and BVG.
- This work is divided into two parts. The city lying on either side of Old Mumbai-Pune Highway will fall in one part. 
- AG Enviro Infra is to collect garbage in the southern part of the city at a cost of Rs 28.25 crore annually for next eight years. 
- BVG got the contract of the northern part of the city at the cost of Rs. 27.94 crore annually.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com