After roads, SWDs take a hit as Corpn cancels Rs 123 cr tenders

Although the Chennai Corporation cites administrative reasons for the cancellation, sources in the civic body suggest that the tenders were cancelled following the opposition from a section of contractors and graft allegations.

It is learnt that the bids are scheduled to be opened on December 31. Unlike the road tenders that were cancelled last month, the stormwater drain tenders were cancelled before the tenders were awarded.

According to an order issued by the superintending engineer of stormwater drain department, tenders issued in 36 packages to construct missing link stormwater drains in Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Alandur, Adyar, Perungudi and Sholinganallur zones stand cancelled. The tenders were published on November 11.

Meanwhile, the Arappor Iyakkam that alleged the major scam in laying new roads and stormwater drains at Rs 740 crore has welcomed the move and demanded more such tenders should be cancelled. “Of the Rs 740 crore tenders, the Corporation had cancelled tenders worth Rs 180 crore only. The officials should cancel all the tenders and call for re-tenders for the areas where roads and drains need to be laid. Officials should cancel remaining tenders worth Rs 560 crore, too,” Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam, said.

Earlier, the NGO levelled allegations that the tenders were floated to lay the roads and drains in places where they are in good condition. It had also pointed out that influential contractors had colluded by forming cartels to share the tenders.

Despite, the officials maintained that the cancellation of tenders is due to administrative reasons, the sources in the civic body said that the lower rank officials are opposing to process the tenders fearing that they would face brunt for signing the files.

Earlier, the Corporation special council had cancelled Rs 57 crore road tenders citing that the successful bidders — Gurumurthy Engineering Enterprises, Annai Infra Developers Pvt Ltd, New Bharath Electricals And Enterprises and K Durvasalu And Menaka & Co. — failed to pay the security deposit and delayed entering the contracts.