PWD works fell victim of red-tapism

Aurangabad, Feb 25:

The public works department (PWD) had submitted the proposals seeking approval of the state government to undertake the repair of roads and bridges damaged due to downpour in the region. However, the PWD could not invite tenders of the approved works due to red-tapism. The state had sanctioned approval to them, but a majority of the proposed works are waiting to fetch technical clearance.

Following the heavy downpour in the district, the condition of roads was pathetic. Accordingly, the PWD persuaded the matter for three months and sought approval (of around Rs 50 crore) from the state government to undertake the repairing of roads and bridges. It includes approval of Rs 17 crore to the PWD's West Division and Rs 30 crore to PWD's East division. Today (on Thursday), the PWD invited tenders of 23 works, but the majority of the proposals are yet to get technical approval. Hence the tender process of all approved works could not be started.

PWD sources said, " The proposals of valuing Rs 114 crore was sent to repair roads and bridges from Marathwada, this year. They were damaged due to heavy rainfall in the region. PWD (East) division sent repairing proposals of Aurangabad, Phulambri, Sillod, Soyegaon and Paithan, while PWD (West) division sent for Kannad, Vaijapur, Gangapur and Khuldabad tehsils. The government gave the nod to the works. Hence, the PWD (West) Division started the process of inviting tenders for 23 works on Thursday. However, the remaining 22-23 works are waiting for technical clearance. After completing the tender process, the contractors would be given the work orders.

Till then, the PWD administration has told the contractors to start the works of proposals waiting for technical clearance. But the contractors are least interested due to non-payment of their past bills. PWD would be focussing on completing the works on priority and send the bills for clearance before March-end. However, in this rush, it would be a challenge for PWD officials to maintain the quality and standard of works.