Retenders to privatise conservancy works get lukewarm response

“Package-1, which comprise of Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram and Ambattur Zones, has failed to attract bidders, while two bidders have expressed interest in the package-2 comprising Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur Zones,” a Corporation official said.

After failing to find suitable bidders to conduct the conservancy works in the city, the Corporation had floated retenders in December last week and the bids were opened on January 11.

The move that evoked severe opposition from the conservancy workers has been facing several hinderance due to agitations, postponement of bidding etc. “We will continue to oppose the privatisation of conservancy works in Chennai. Meanwhile, the officials are refusing to share information pertaining to the development,” Chennai Corporation Redflag Association said.

Meanwhile, the official said that package-2 would undergo financial bidding and retender would be floated for the package-1. “The technical bids submitted by the two firms for the package-2 will be scrutinised after Pongal and financial bids will be accepted later.”

Earlier, the civic body had floated national level tenders for Rs 744.79 crore (package-1) and Rs 801.20 crore (package-2) and slated October 24 for opening the bid. However, protest by the workers forced the civic body to defer the date two times before opening the bids finally on December 24, which resulted in poor response.

Meanwhile, the seven-year-contract given to Ramky Enviro Engineers to carry out conservancy works in Kodambakkam, Teynampet and Adyar Zones is expiring on March 31 and the civic body has decided to float separate tenders for the three Zones.