The exposure of contractors’ abnormally low bids for civic work has provoked the BMC to issue showcause notices for all civic works contracts (CWCs) awarded to the former. The contractors had earlier shown reluctance after being asked to perform a viability test.
“We will serve them showcause notices, asking them why they are not willing to perform the viability test. If their response is found unsatisfactory, they will be blacklisted,” said Mr Rahul Shewale, chairman of the standing committee. The civic body had appointed 31 contractors to carry out minor works at the ward level like pipeline repairs, toilet construction, road repairs and streetlight fixing. However, a majority of them had bid 60 per cent below the estimated price, raising questions over the quality of works. Consequently, the BMC decided to conduct a viability test, asking them to carry out figurative civic works worth `5 lakh in each ward. However, expressing their inability to perform the viability test, the contractors have withdrawn from the exercise. “Contractors have said that the low bids have been offered taking into account the total project works. According to them, carrying out a single work in `5lakh is very difficult,” said a civic official.
A similar exercise would also be carried out for the contractors who bid low for roadwork contracts (RWCs), said Mr Shewale. Conducting the viability tests for the RWCs, the BMC has asked the contractors to carry out trials worth `10 lakh. However, no contractor has performed the trial so far.