MAPUSA
In a promising development, the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has confirmed that at least five companies took part in a pre-bid meeting last week for the long-stalled Bainguinim waste-processing plant.
A GWMC official, privy to the proceedings, said, “These five could definitely bid for the proposal. Besides, some other companies can also come and bid.”
Last month, the GWMC had invited Request for Qualification (RFQ) from eligible bidders to design, finance, build, operate and maintain a 100-tonne-per-day (TPD) solid waste processing facility at Bainguinim for a concession period of 15 years.
The deadline for bid submissions is September 26 though GWMC has hinted that this may be extended if necessary.
History of repeated setbacks
This marks the fourth attempt by GWMC to push the project forward. First proposed in 2019 as a 250 TPD plant, the project has repeatedly faced delays – from technical and administrative hurdles to vocal public opposition.
In May 2022, the capacity was scaled down to 100 TPD to align with the enhanced Saligao facility (now 250 TPD) and to make the bid more attractive. The estimated cost for the revised journey is approximately Rs 120 crore.
Refreshed RFQ: Relaxed terms
GWMC has updated the RFQ with relaxed eligibility criteria to broaden the pool of potential bidders:
Financial eligibility: Average annual turnover of Rs 60 crore over the last three years, positive profit (before depreciation and tax) in at least three of the last five years, and a solvency certificate worth Rs 48 crore from a nationalised bank.
Technical requirements: Applicants must fulfill at least two of the following:
Built a ≥100 TPD solid waste management facility in the past 10 years, costing at least Rs 66.5 crore; operate a ≥100 TPD SWM facility compliant with SWM 2016 rules for at least one year; completed installation of facilities processing significant volumes (36,000 ton/year, or combinations thereof).
GWMC aims to streamline the proposal evaluation by inviting technically qualified bidders to present their implementation plans before appointed committees.
Local opposition a concern
The project continues to face resistance from local communities and panchayats concerned about environmental risks, odour and health implications. They have consistently demanded the facility be relocated to a less populated site.
Despite these objections, GWMC emphasises that the Bainguinim plant is vital for Goa's waste management network and reducing landfill dependency.
With the fourth RFQ now underway and interest visibly reawakening through pre-bid participation, GWMC’s renewed initiative offers a glimmer of hope for a facility much-needed to tackle Goa’s growing waste challenges.
