The Hindu       01.09.2016  

Gasifier crematorium: Corpn. terminates private firm’s contract

The City Municipal Corporation has terminated ed the
contract given to a private company for establishing a modern gasifier
crematorium at a cost of Rs. 1.50 crore at the burial ground in
Erumapalayam, for failing to complete the work on time.

The
crematorium was proposed to have modern facilities, including
generators and sanitary complex and also place for performing rituals.

Under
the Infrastructure Gap Filling Fund 2013-14, the subsidy from the
government would be Rs. 1 crore while the civic body would contribute
Rs. 50 lakh from its general fund.

Tenders were
floated in January 3, 2014 for establishing the crematorium and the
contract was awarded to the company in February 12, 2014.

The
project was proposed to be completed in 190 days. However, only 30 per
cent of the work was completed while no work was carried in the past
two-and-half years.

With the Commissioner of
Municipal Administration coming down heavily on Corporation officials
for failing to monitor the work, the civic body through its four letters
in 2014 and 2015 had asked the company to complete the work.

Also,
since funds were sanctioned in 2013-14, the civic body should submit
reports on projection completion and utilisation of funds. But the
company in its letter dated December 7, 2015 had informed the
Corporation that their industrial unit in Chennai suffered massive
damage due to flood and they were not in a position to execute the
project.

The company promised to start the work in May 2016, but failed.

Hence, the civic body decided to cancel the contract awarded to the company.

Corporation officials told
The Hindu
that the company’s security deposit would be forfeited for failing to complete the work as per the agreement.

They added that the project cost would be revised and re-tender would be floated soon.