BBMP relaxes rules for garbage tendering process

The BBMP has relaxed the terms for participating in garbage tendering process, making more than 5,000 KPWD/CPWD Class-I contractors eligible to participate in the process.

Addressing a press conference, BBMP commissioner Rajneesh Goel said only 15 tenders were found eligible for the 89 packages for which tenders were invited on December 7, 2011. “With the BBMP making garbage segregation at source mandatory, tenders will be freshly called for all the 89 packages. Earlier only 60 to 90 contractors engaged in solid-waste management (SWM) used to participate in the tender process. But now around 5,000 KPWD/CPWD Class-I contractors are eligible to participate in the process. This will enhance competition,” he said.

According to Goel, earlier contractors had to pay `1.5 crore per package for solvency certificate. “This has now been reduced to `25 lakh per package. For SC/ST contractors, this has been reduced to `2.5 lakh. Earlier, only contractors with two years of experience and own vehicles were allowed to participate in the tendering process. But henceforth successful bidders with just one year of experience can take vehicles on lease. This will mean that established players will not have unfair advantage over new contractors. This would also break the monopoly of the existing contractors and encourage new contractors to participate in the process,” he said.

Reacting to the query on ward-wise garbage tendering as demanded by corporators, Goel said ward-wise contract is not feasible as it is not suitable for some areas. “As per the new tendering process, only vehicles registered between 2006 and 2012 can be deployed by contractors. They should also provide better facilities for pourakarmikas. It will also ensure an evening shift (4 pm to 8 pm) by pourakarmikas at commercial areas and arterial and sub-arterial roads to prevent littering,” he said.

“Contractors will be asked to display zone and package numbers along with the vehicle’ number to prevent misuse of services. Tenders will be cancelled within 24 hours if contractors violate the terms and conditions,” Goel said.

Goel said zonal health officials will be provided with smart android mobile phones. “The officers will take photos of garbage pile-up, if any, and upload them on the BBMP website. The technology has been implemented in four wards in the south zone. Based on the feedback we will receive, it will be extended to all wards,” he said.