Peren District Contractors and Suppliers Union (PDCSU) has demanded immediate cancellation of notice inviting tender (NIT) for construction of Tening-Lekie road measuring 37.50 Kms under North East Council (NEC).
In a representation addressed to the chief engineer (R&B), PDCSU president Pausap Ndang and general secretary K Mark Guing said that the NIT dated September 13, 2019 was against the principle of impartiality and fair play, alleging that notice was floated to suit the interest of some few elite individuals while sidelining the rights and privileges of the local contractors of the district.
PDCSU stated that large road project works were bifurcated into different packages like in the case of Wokha-Meraphani and Medziphema-Athibung roads, both under NEC, which were split into three packages each in order to accommodate local contractors.
Similarly, the union said Jalukie-Peren road under NLCPR and Longleng-Tuensang road under NEC were also split into two packages each. However, in the case of Tening-Lekie road under Peren district, PDCSU said the same yardstick has not been applied and due to which the local contractors of Peren district have become ineligible to participate in the bidding process.
Further, the union pointed out that as per the standard bidding documents (SBD) set by the department and the meeting minutes of the pre-bid meeting held on September 24, 2019 was contradictory, which it said was unacceptable by all means.
Asserting that tender is floated so the lowest bidder could be selected for onward execution of the contract work, PDCSU, however, was alleged that the case was not with the matter in question.
It said as per minutes of meeting the bidders cannot bid below NPWD SOR 2016 rates. However, it said there have been instances where tenders have been accepted below the floated tender project cost.
The union also said that the primary objective of e-tendering was to maintain fair play and transparency in the bidding process, which was, however, defeated by the erroneous nature in which the department has formulated the NIT, SBD and the meeting minutes of September 24, 2019.
The union, therefore, said that it has been left with no other option but to call for immediate cancellation of NIT and to come out with corrective measures at the earliest to avoid litigation.
PDSCU cautioned that any untoward consequences arising out of the failure to comply with its appeal the department would be held solely responsible.