The Pioneer 05.12.2013
RMC, A2Z part ways amicably
Contrary to the posturing by the RMC, the parting formula was worked out in advance between the municipal body and the A2Z, thus ruling out legal recourse in the matter by either party.
“It (terminating the 2010 agreement meant for 30 years) was amicably decided; hence we are not moving court on the matter. Moving out of this loss making venture is profitable for us,” maintained National Head (Operations & HR) of A2Z, VP Pandey.
As per the formula mutually agreed between the RMC and the A2Z, the latter will hand over all resources currently used for garbage collecting to the municipal body while keeping the waste treatment plant with itself. The carrying and transportation of wastes will be the responsibility of the newly empanelled agencies — Manthan, Chaal Foundation, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, Gramin Mahila Yuva Vikas Samiti, Clean Jharkhand, Purnima Enterprises, Heritage Society and Creative International.
“We have asked them to disassociate themselves of the carrying and transportation part of the waste management and handover the resources within 30 days,” said RMC PRO, Naresh Kumar Sinha.
Incidentally, construction at the waste management plant is in last phase and is likely to become operational after three to four months. The plant is being constructed at Jhiri in Ratu.
“We are waiting for the next installment of grant to be released. As soon as it is released we will expedite the work to make it operational from next year,” added Pandey.
After rephrasing the terms of agreement the waste management firm will handover around 15 compactors, 10 dumpers, 55 Tata Ace vehicles besides 1350 rickshaws to the municipal body.
The resources thus collected are likely to be distributed among the eight freshly empanelled agencies for waste management in the city.
Even as the RMC and A2Z decided to revisit their contract, the municipal body is yet to frame rules governing method of operations for the eight Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) selected through a tender process. Ironically, the agencies selected have not quoted rates for collecting garbage.
“It will take another seven days to finalise terms & conditions for them. We will try to evolve a model for work distribution among the agencies selected (before A2Z disassociates itself from garbage collection),” pointed out Sinha.
Notably, the NGOs have been asked to submit their quotes till December 30.
The agreement between the agencies and the municipal body will be for three months initially. According to sources, the NGOs will continue with the prevailing method of operation which includes door-to-door collection of waste which is dumped at nearest metallic bin finally transporting it to Jhiri.
