the goan I network
MARGAO
The Goa Schedule of Rates (GSR) seems to be a major factor in stopping contractors from bidding for Margao Municipal Council’s (MMC) ambitious multi-level parking project.
A desperate MMC is preparing to extend the time-frame for contactors to bid for the Rs 5.58 crore multi-level parking project. Margao Municipal Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai has attributed the lack of interest shown by the contractors towards the project to the existing GSR rates, which does not reflect the current cost of production.
With the government delaying the revision of GSR rates and there is no possibility of the rates getting revised at least in the immediate future, sources in the Civic body said the MMC will try to identify contractors who would take up the work of construction of the multi-level project.
“I have been told by so many people that the GSR rates do not make any construction project viable for the contractors. May be this is one reason why the contractors have shied away from taking the parking project,” Babita said, adding that the council will try and find out whether any contactor will be ready to take up the work at the cost estimated by the Civic body.
A member of the technical section further pointed out that the Civic body had prepared the estimates for the multi-level parking more than two years ago, adding there’s a vast difference in the rate of construction then and now.
“A cement bag is now available in the market for Rs 330. But, the GSR rate has put the figure of a cement bag to below Rs 200. This vast gap between the rate of construction as per the GSR rate and the actual cost of construction has come in the way of many a contractors taking up the project,” remarked an engineer.
While Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik is currently out of station to attend a training program in Bangalore, the Municipal technical section is awaiting his return to put his signature on the notice, extending the time limit for the bidders to place their bids by another 15 days.
The project is set to miss its completion deadline due to the delay in finding contractors to take up the work.
