Keeping the end of financial year 2023-24 in mind next month, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working with speed for the major infrastructure pending projects.
The municipal corporation has invited over 900 tenders totaling over INR 150 crore. These tenders are associated with various works across different wards. The average cost of each tender ranges from INR 15 lakh to INR 18 lakh.
The rush demonstrates the intensity with which the babus are working before the announcement of the election dates. In just 10 days, 940 tenders worth around INR 150 crore were issued, with 292 of those tenders being extended for projects in Malad and Kandivli.
As per the civic documents, these tenders link with tasks such as constructing pathways in slum areas, repairing blocks of toilets, mending footpaths, renovating gardens, installing gymnasium equipment, and other projects primarily situated in slum areas.
An official from the municipal corporation said that projects at the local ward level are the subject of these tender requests. Since money has been set aside for these projects in the current budget, there is an urgent need to start them within the current fiscal year. Administrative approval must be obtained within the fiscal year, even if the activity is not started right away. Post-approval work might start even after the fiscal year ends.
March is the concluding month of the fiscal year, and at this time there is usually a spike in the number of tenders issued. The civic official clarified that there's a rush to get administrative permission for projects. The BMC official said that given the nearing elections, there's a chance that some tenders, mostly for civil works, will see a minor increase.
Legislators support initiating projects in their districts prior to the implementation of the code of conduct. March is a month when there are especially more tenders for local civil projects, the civic body official added.
The Mumbai civic body shared data showing that the highest tender, worth between INR 22 and INR 23 crore, was issued for the R South ward, which includes Kandivli; 142 tenders, worth between INR 17 and INR 20 crore, was extended in the Malad area of P North; and 92 tenders, worth between INR 16 and INR 18 crore, were issued for the N ward in the Ghatkopar area.
But as the city faces a water crisis, BMC is neglecting the tender process for its desalination project at the Manori plant. The BMC desalination project at the Manori plant has seen its tendering procedure postponed for the fourth time since January 4, further delaying the corporation's decision to begin the project amid mounting concerns about a scarcity of water and supplies. Regarding the intentions of the civic body, important questions have been raised in this case.
On December 4, BMC published a notice of tender for the establishment of the facility, which may turn saline water into drinkable water. The tender was supposed to be submitted by January 4, 2024, but BMC extended it three times already, first until January 29, then until February 17, and now until March 4.
Civic officials are saying that this is an international-level tender. Hence, sometimes there are delays due to technical reasons.
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