Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: With the High Court now asking the Goa government to file an affidavit as to why the tender was not issued for the renovation work of Kala Academy, it seems like the wheels of justice have finally begun to move.
The High Court issued the notices in the public interest litigation filed by Goa Forward seeking cancellation of renovation contract alleging a scam in the whole process.
There was no transparency in awarding the contract, and govt did not follow the mandatory process, alleged petitioner.
Goemkarponn was the first to expose the story of Rs 50 cr Kala Academy renovation work carried out without tendering against CVC guidelines, Rs 50 cr work awarded on a “willingness” basis.
On a nomination basis, this work of Rs 49.57 cr has been awarded to Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.
The estimated cost of the renovation is Rs.49,57,11,000.00.
The work includes Structural Repairs and allied Civil Works, Plumbing and drainage System, Electrical Works, HVAC Works, Acoustic Works; estimates were prepared by Work Division V, PWD, Panaji, -Goa and no amount was paid to the PWD.
As per the Minister of Art and Culture, 10% of civil work is completed to date, and the time allowed to complete the work is 365 days.
Gaude says the work was awarded as per government approval and decision.
The minister says that the allegations of the scam in tendering are all baseless.
“This is all political stunt. We have taken all approvals of the Cabinet before awarding work,” he said.
Sources said the brief submitted at the cabinet meeting said that the project has to be awarded to Techton by avoiding tender proceedings considering the urgency and need for timely completion of work.
The work order issued by Public Works Department says” your willingness to execute the work mentioned above has been accepted on behalf of the Governor of Goa for an amount of Rs 39,63,73,158 (thirty-nine crore sixty-three lakh seventy-three thousand and one hundred and fifty-eight only), which is at PAR with the estimated cost excluding all taxes and GST of Rs 39,63,73,158.”
It added,” you are requested to contact the Assitant Engineer Works Division – V, PWD, Porvorim, to take possession of the site and start work.
You are hereby requested to attend this office to complete the formal agreement on receipt of this letter.
Please note that the time allowed for carrying out the works is 165 days and shall be reckoned from the 15th day of this order.”
