Shimla, April 3- Shimla’s Water Utility Project breaching Tender Norms: former Dy-Mayor
Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Tikender Singh Panwar, has raised concerns about the breaching of tender norms in a water utility project in Shimla. Panwar in a letter written to the Country Director of the World Bank, again is seeking intervention in the matter.
The letter alleges that officials of the water utility have colluded with a particular company, and there have been blatant violations of tender norms. Panwar has stated that the tender process has been manipulated to suit only one company, and the project, which was to be commissioned six years ago, is still in the tendering phase.
Pertinent to mention that the former deputy Mayor has not raised this issue for the first time. In October last year, also, he had questioned the process of tendering and had written a letter to the then Chief secretary. Later he had also sought intervention of the World bank officials in the matter, where-after the authority (SJPNL) had cancelled the process and re-invited.
Also read : Gross violations in tendering of World Bank water project in Shimla: Former DY Mayor reiterate matter with CS
The allegations made by Panwar suggest that the tender process has not been followed fairly, and one company has been favored over others. The lack of transparency in the process raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the project.
A World Bank team is expected to visit Shimla shortly to appraise various projects, and Panwar has requested an appointment with the team to discuss the issue and ensure transparency in the ongoing project.
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