MARGAO
City-based NGO United Goans Foundation has demanded that Margao Municipal Chief Officer Melvyn Vaz initiate a detailed inquiry into the sopo fee collection tendering process floated by the civic body.
While demanding cancellation of the current tender awarded to contractor Milagres Fernandes on grounds that the tender violates established guidelines, the UGF has further called for an enquiry into and initiate appropriate action against the MMC officers who presided over the tender process and allotment.
Demanding retendering of the sopo collection contract and ensuring compliance with all CPWD and CVC guidelines to maintain transparency and fairness, the NGO has demanded that the Chief Officer investigate the use of intimidation tactics and take measures to protect vendors from harassment.
“The Margao Municipal Council must act swiftly to restore faith in its processes and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly and ethically. We trust that you will give this matter your urgent attention and take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised, failing which we will have no option but to proceed against you for wilful participation in this illegal act even after having been informed about the same vide this letter.
The NGO has further pointed out that the tender process has also failed to consider the ongoing jurisdictional disputes between the MMC and SGPDA over the vending area outside the wholesale fish market. “This unresolved issue has further complicated the collection process, leading to confusion among vendors and creating opportunities for malpractice as well as continuous harassment of vendors by both MMC and SGPDA sopo collectors,” the letter stated.
The letter added: “Out of the three bids submitted for the sopo collection tender, two were rejected for non-compliance, leaving only one bidder. As per the CPWD and CVC guidelines, a single tender cannot be awarded since it undermines the principles of fair competition and transparency. Despite this, the tender was awarded to Fernandes, which is a gross violation of standard procedures and guidelines.”
