Times of India 22.07.2009
TMC's rising project cost upsets NCP leader
THANE: NCP leader Jitendra Awhad has lashed out at the Shiv Sena-controlled Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for escalating the costs of the underground sewerage scheme by Rs 223 crore.
The project, envisaged in 2006, aims at upgrading the sewerage system, pumping station and sewage treatment plant and was estimated to cost Rs 331 crore. "Administrative delay in initiating the project has resulted in the costs going up by 65%. The project is now estimated to cost over Rs 554 crore,'' Awhad said.
The estimates committee of the state legislature, which met on Tuesday, was reportedly critical of the escalation in the cost of the project.
TMC authorities admitted that the costs have increased as the process of tenders and finalisation of contractors, to be completed in three phases, took over a year. The project is to be partially funded by the Centre under the JNNURM with the state contributing 35% of the total costs, while the remainder is to be borne by the civic body.
The project, envisaged in 2006, aims at upgrading the sewerage system, pumping station and sewage treatment plant and was estimated to cost Rs 331 crore. "Administrative delay in initiating the project has resulted in the costs going up by 65%. The project is now estimated to cost over Rs 554 crore,'' Awhad said.
The estimates committee of the state legislature, which met on Tuesday, was reportedly critical of the escalation in the cost of the project.
TMC authorities admitted that the costs have increased as the process of tenders and finalisation of contractors, to be completed in three phases, took over a year. The project is to be partially funded by the Centre under the JNNURM with the state contributing 35% of the total costs, while the remainder is to be borne by the civic body.
