Khadki sports complex deadline stretched

Officials said that in March this year,the consultant had written to the cantonment board seeking fee revision,but the board decided it was too high. In May,the KCB approached Navnirman Development Consultants to negotiate and get the work done at the earlier rates,but the consultant backed out.

The matter was taken up at the board meeting and it was decided that as there was no provision within the contract to increase professional charges,a new consultant should be hired to prepare the layout plan,make the structural drawings and conduct day-to-day supervision.

The board terminated the services of Navnirman Development Consultants and appointed Vastukala Architects and Engineers at a fee of 1 percent of the project cost,officials of the board said.

The deadline for the project will be stretched by a few months,said Cantonment executive engineer Arun Godbole.

He said this was not only owing to hiccups in finalising the consultant but there were other reasons like the high water table at the project site.

The high water table means an increase in excavation depth by 3.5 metres to 4 metres for laying the foundation for the spectators gallery. “It will be difficult to get the work completed by December this year,” Godbole said. The first phase is likely to be completed by February-March next year instead of December this year as planned.

KCB member Kamlesh Chaskar said efforts will be made to complete the project at the earliest. “The project has been conceived in two phases. In the second phase,a badminton court and a swimming pool is planned,” he said. Godbole said the second phase of the project has not been approved as yet.