GWMC to shortlist bidders, issue RFP after fresh clarifications
MAPUSA
Nearly three months after six companies submitted bids for the Bainguinim solid waste management project, the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has begun seeking additional details and clarifications from the bidders, signalling slow but steady movement on one of the State’s most critical infrastructure projects.
The Bainguinim facility – envisaged as a 100-tonne-per-day (TPD) solid waste processing plant – has assumed renewed urgency amid mounting garbage heaps across Goa and spiralling waste management costs.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has recently stated that the State is spending close to Rs 500 crore annually on garbage collection, transportation and processing, underlining the financial strain caused by the absence of adequate decentralised and bulk waste facilities.
When contacted, a senior GWMC official said that the corporation is currently examining the Request for Qualification (RFQ) submissions received from six firms – Hyderabad Integrated MSW Ltd, Hindustan Waste Treatment Pvt Ltd, 3R Management Ltd, Srinivas Waste Management Services Pvt Ltd, Organic Recycling Systems Pvt Ltd, and HNB Engineers Pvt Ltd.
“Given the size and complexity of the project, we have sought further technical and financial clarifications from the bidders. This is a crucial stage to ensure that only capable firms are shortlisted,” the official said.
He added that within the next two weeks, GWMC expects to shortlist two firms from the six, following which a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued. The shortlisted firms will then be asked to submit detailed technical designs and financial bids for setting up and operating the plant.
The corporation is also in the process of appointing a project consultant to assist in technical evaluation and oversight – an indication, officials say, of GWMC’s intent to avoid procedural lapses that have plagued earlier waste management projects in the State.
Originally proposed in 2019, the Bainguinim project has seen repeated delays due to technical challenges, administrative hurdles, and sustained local opposition.
GWMC officials maintain that earlier objections from residents have since been addressed and that all statutory approvals, including environmental clearance, are now in place.
The tender covers the design, engineering, financing, construction, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the facility for a 15-year concession period.
Officials acknowledge that while the process is time-consuming, procedural rigour is necessary to avoid failures that have burdened existing waste facilities.
Garbage accumulation is emerging as one of the State’s most visible governance challenges – especially during peak tourist seasons.
