BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback | | | Indian Express

BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback | | | Indian Express

BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback


N R Madhusudhan First Published : 05 Jan 2010 04:40:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 05 Jan 2010 06:58:12 AM IST
BANGALORE: The efforts of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to provide proper underground drainage (UGD) to the newly-added areas of the city has received a temporary setback in some areas as the contractors have quoted high rates for undertaking the works in those areas.
BWSSB has sent a report about five more packages wherein the contractors had quoted high premiums to undertake the work. These packages relate to works that were supposed to be taken up in parts of Dasarahalli, Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka and Bommanahalli CMCs.
As per BWSSB sources, the works include connecting the existing sewage connections to the main lines after they are laid. Hence it is difficult to find people who are willing to do such jobs. Therefore, the contractors have sought high amounts of money to undertake these works.
A BWSSB official said, “If the rates sought by the contractors were 10 or 15 per cent more than the sanctioned sum, the negotiating committee would have tried to negotiate with the contractors and we would have gone ahead with the projects.
However, the contractors have quoted more than 40 per cent above the sanctioned amount. Now, we will have to re-tender these packages”.
BWSSB has already modified a bid of a package that involves works to be taken up in some parts of Dasarahalli CMC and has sent the same for World Bank’s approval.
BWSSB had planned to lay 2,000 kilometres of lateral UGDs and 300 kilometres of main and sub-main UGDs in the newly-added areas of the city at a cost of Rs 965.69 crore. It is in the process of implementing the same.
World Bank is sponsoring the project. Funds from Jn- NURM will also be utilised.
It is supposed to be a timebound project.