Peren, September 30 (MExN): The Peren District Contractors and Suppliers Union (PDC&SU), in a representation addressed to the Chief Engineer (R&B), Department of PWD, Government of Nagaland has demanded for immediate cancellation notice “for construction of Tening-Lekie Road measuring 37.50 Kms under NEC is against the principle of impartiality and fair play.”
PDC&SU in the representation appended by its President, Pausap Ndang and General Secretary, K. Mark Guing stated that it is without doubt that the same was floated to “suit the interest of some few elite individuals while sidelining the rights and privileges of the local contractors of Peren District.”
The Union observed that “large road projects works were bifurcated into different packages like in the case of Wokha-Meraphani and Medziphema-Athibung roads, both under NEC, which were split into three packages each in order to accommodate local Contractors. Likewise, Jalukie-Peren road under NLCPR and Longleng- Tuensang road under NEC were also split into two packages each. However, in the case of Tening-Lekie road under Peren District, the same yardstick has not been applied because of which, the local contractors of Peren District have become ineligible to participate in the bidding process.”
Moreover, the Union stated that the Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) set by the Department and the Meeting Minutes of the Pre-bid Meeting held on September 24 is contradictory and therefore, inacceptable by all means. “In all fairness, tender is floated so that the lowest bidder can be selected for onward execution of the Contract work which however is not the case with the matter in question. Minutes of Meeting held on September 24 states that bidders cannot bid below NPWD SOR 2016 rates whereas there have been instances where Tenders have been accepted below the floated tender project cost.”
“The primary objective of e-tendering is to maintain fair play and transparency in the bidding process which however is defeated by the erroneous nature in which your Department has formulated the NIT, SBD and the Meeting Minutes of September 24,” the Union added.
Therefore, the PDC&SU stated that that they have been left with no other option but to call for immediate cancellation of NIT No. CE/(R&B)NERDS/Corr(Part-1)/2019-20 for construction of Tening-Lekie Road under Peren District and “to come out with corrective measures at the earliest to avoid litigation.”
“It must be noted that any untoward consequences arising out of the failure to comply to our call will be the sole responsibility of your Department,” the Union cautioned.
