Nellore: Delay on the part of Nellore Corporation in executing works utilising the SC Sub-plan funds of Rs 42.50 crore, even as such works were completed in other civic bodies in the state, has been snowballing into a controversy following package system adopted by the rulers allegedly to benefit the Corporators.
Though the fund was sanctioned nearly eight months back, proposals have been prepared only three months back for eight package works in 35 divisions and majority of them are new drains and cement roads.
However, tenders are not called even three months after preparing proposals despite outcry from the opposition Corporators and legislators and nobody know the reasons for the holdup.
Moreover open drains and roads proposed under the sub-plan are also drawing criticism from opposition citing possible damage to them in view of Rs 580.85 crore underground drainage scheme and Rs 556.77 water supply improvement scheme being grounded shortly.
However, Nellore Mayor S.K. Abdul Azeez struck down the criticism over impact on the works due to UG and water supply schemes. He said that they have proposed the works mostly in the villages merged into Corporation and they are not part of UG/Water supply scheme.
Reacting to the allegations over delay and kickbacks, he said that no reputed contractor came forward to take up the works under SC Sub Plan following doubts created by opposition over release of funds.
“In this backdrop decision has been taken to call tenders only after the funds are released. Tenders will be called within few days since the government released Rs 25 crore recently. We have prepared eight packages worth Rs 5 crore each because only reputed contractors can bid for such works so quality in the execution of works is assured.
The decision on such packages was taken after a contractor who took 36 small works worth Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakhs each under general funds long back failed to complete them yet,” Mr Aziz said.
Reminding that any contractor across the country can file the tender for packages online, he questioned the rationale behind accusing them of about kickbacks when the system is transparent.
