# Frischmann got ` 48.79 lakh for GMC ward upgradation n Datta Kare paid ` 7.14 lakh for hot mixing roads
ASHWINI KAMAT
PANAJI
Perusal of the list of around 300-odd works wherein consultancy services were hired shows that most of the works involve minor works such as interiors, furniture works, plumbing and electrical works, road laying and resurfacing, construction of village schools and playground and laying of footpaths.
The Opposition had pointed out that GSIDC has spent over Rs 48 crores on consultants which is much more than the budget of some of the government departments like RDA.
In the list of consultants appointed by GSIDC for completed, ongoing and proposed projects since April 2012 till June 2016 are big names such as M/s Frischmann Prabhu Pvt Ltd, M/s LKS India Pvt Ltd and SN Bhobe and Associates Pvt Ltd.
In the list are projects such as ‘Construction of footpath and washrooms for Exposition at Old Goa- 2014’ where Rs 1.19 lakh was paid to consultant M/s Nitin P Arolkar at four percent and Rs 4.46 lakh was paid to M/s LKS India Pvt Ltd at 3.50 percent for the footpath and washrooms respectively.
M/s Frischmann Prabhu Pvt Ltd was paid Rs 48.79 lakh as consultancy fees at 3.24 per cent for upgradation of ward no 120, 123, 124, staff rest rooms and other miscellaneous works at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. The work description includes consultancy for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of various machines and equipments.
M/s Datta Kare Associates, consultant appointed for ‘Hot mixing and improvement of roads in Panchayat of Sao Jose D’Areal in Velim constituency’, a project worth Rs 2.29 crore, was paid Rs 7.14 lakh as consultancy fees.
Even the authority instituted under Right to Information proved to be a victim of consultancy with M/s Intrinsic Classic being paid Rs 2.3 lakh for providing consultancy services for a project worth Rs 89 lakhs of interior works of office of State Information Commissioner in Kamat Towers at EDC, Patto Plaza in Panaji.
Another interesting entry in the list is of project for resurfacing of the now-concretised road from NIO Circle to Miramar for IFFI 2012. While the project cost was Rs 2.9 crore, consultant M/s Nilesh Salkar Associates was paid Rs 13.24 lakh as consultancy fees.
The footpath consultancy services, while being an intriguing new concept, have probably cost the State a few more footpaths.
Rs 11.16 lakh was paid to M/s Nitin P Arolkar for consultancy services towards construction of footpath from Sai Service junction to Training College junction at Porvorim. This includes consultancy for civil works and lighting.
Similarly, Rs 17.55 lakh were paid to M/s Datta Kare Associates for consultancy services services for widening of roads and reallocation of structures in Fatorda constituency.
