Kochi: The state government which failed to find a suitable agency to construct the proposed modern solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram has now opted for the ‘Swiss challenge system’ of tendering, an innovative bidding method.

This method, popular in western countries, is more transparent and will help private sector initiative in major government projects. According to sources at Suchitwa Mission, the coordinating agency for the project, the bid can be finalised in three months using the Swiss model. 

“The state cabinet has already decided to opt for the Swiss challenge system and a tender notification will be issued soon,” said sources at Suchitwa Mission.

According to civic experts, this new system is ideal for the plant as it will ensure the best technology and competitive rates for the government. Under this system, private companies can submit unsolicited bids with a detailed project report, technology solutions and also contract terms.

Then the government will invite competitive bids from other interested parties. If a counter proposal is found favourable by the government, the original project proposer will be given an opportunity to match it. Later, the project will be awarded to that company which submits the most competitive proposal.

It was in May last year that the state government had floated a global tender through the Suchitwa Mission for setting up the plant. Though three companies had been shortlisted, the technical committee after scrutiny expressed dissatisfaction with their bids.

The proposed plant will have a capacity to treat 500 tonnes of solid waste a day and the estimated project cost is Rs 350 crore. The plant will be set up on 10 acres of land out of the more than 100 acres of land acquired by the City Corporation.