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.