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Journalism of Courage
PUNE, May 28: Pune Municipal Corporation8217;s PMC mega water supply and sewerage augmentation project is likely to be delayed as four of the six shortlisted foreign companies which are vying for the multi-crore contract, today demanded that the administration extend the deadline set for submission of the bids by another two months.
Former municipal commissioner Ramanath Jha had handed over the request for proposal document8217; to the six shortlisted companies for the Rs 730 crore first phase of the project on April 28. The companies were then directed to submit their bids within three months.
8220;Funds can be raised through other sources. We have already kept several options open. Even the banks in Pune city are ready to issue a loan of Rs 100 crore for the project.8221;, Agarwal said.
The civic chief pointed out to media persons that the companies were required to furnish their bids in two parts 8211; the technical bid and the financial bid.
8220;The companies will be required to undertake a survey of the existing water system in the city and it will take some time. The civic administration had considered this point while setting the deadline of three months. But, if a majority of the bidders are demanding an extension of the deadline, then the PMC may consider it8221;, he said. The civic chief said he would consult the water department officials and project consultants in this regard. The decision would be taken within a week, he said.
Interestingly, the PMC has already communicated to the State Government that it would embark on the project on October 15, this year. If the deadline for submission of the bids is extended till September end, as demanded by the companies, then the project is unlikely to start on October 15.
This so because the PMC administration would require at least one and half month to scrutinise the bids, select the company and seek an approval from the civic standing committee and the general body meeting. Agarwal said 8220;In that case we would request the government to extend the time limit for commencing the project.8221;
