Standing panel slams BMC for delay in appointing CWCs

“Such an administrative failure is not acceptable. The ruling Shiv Sena-BJP combine has lost control over the administration,which has resulted in contractors defying the civic body. Ward-level repairs are suffering and corporators are held responsible,” said Dnyanraj Nikam of Congress.

CWCs who bid for small civic works have refused to undertake pilot projects citing lack of an official contract and high costs. BMC had appointed 31 contractors to carry out minor ward-level works such as toilet constructions and pipeline,road,streetlight and footpath repairs.

BJP leader Dilip Patel said,“BMC has been lax in taking a decision on the issue of CWCs. Is there another reason not being revealed to corporators? The civic administration has reduced the number of contractors from 110 to 31. It might mean the administration does not have the budget to pay all contractors.”

While BMC has not extended time for the earlier set of 110 CWCs,the new set has refused to undertake pilot projects for ward-level works,forcing the country’s richest civic body to stop repairs and constructions.

MNS corporator Dilip Lande said,“With the monsoon over,there are only four-five months left to carry out civic works. But due to contractors’ rigid approach,the work is getting delayed.”

The civic administration claimed it was finalising a new system for ward-level works which was delaying repairs.

“There is a proposal to convert to spot-level contracts rather than yearly oness. In case of spot-level contracts,contractors will be finalised for each and every work separately depending on the kind of work,” said a senior civic official.

Mohan Adtani,Additional Municipal Commissioner,said,“The new proposal will be sent to the group leaders next week for approval,after which the ward-level work can begin”.

Meanwhile,BMC is planning to blacklist 31 new contractors who have refused to undertake pilot projects.

Probe Dhas: Corporators

Corporators demanded an inquiry against Chief Accountant (Finance) R A Dhas for circulating an internal note claiming contractors had done shoddy work. He also proposed the number of CWCs be brought down to 31 from 110. Earlier this year,an internal note circulated by Dhas had accused the CWCs of siphoning BMC money by getting works not required sanctioned.