SHILLONG, OCT 12: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has alleged lack of transparency in the operation of public toilets and parking lots under the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and sought immediate corrective measures.
In a representation to the Chairman/Secretary of MUDA, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said findings through RTI revealed that tenders for three public toilets were not opened even a year after floating the NIT.
“That, the Notice Inviting Tender for operating the three public toilets located at Pahsyntiew Shopping Complex & Parking Lot, Khlieh Iewduh Parking Lot & Khyndai Bah Ryntieh Police Bazar Shopping Complex Cum Parking Lot was published by the department almost one year ago, the bidders have submitted the tender documents, but the tender documents were never opened till date instead these public toilets have been operated by the Department,” Passah said.
He said bidders spent money on court fee stamps and tender documents but the tenders were never opened, while the toilets are being run by individuals who are not MUDA employees, raising doubts on transparency.
“It is also reported that the fee charged by the individual who are at these public toilets are more than the rate prescribed by the authority which would amount to extortion,” the representation added.
On parking lots, KHNAM questioned the allotment of Garikhana parking to Smti Heevalina Kharraswai and flagged Clause 4 of the terms that states “The highest bidder may not always be the successful bidder. Abnormally high bids will not be entertained but only the best responsive and responsible bid will be considered”.
“We believe that such clause gave way to nepotism,” Passah said, arguing that such discretion allows the authority to pick any bid and is “illegal”.
“The Procedure for allotment of Public Parking Space all across the Country, has been to the highest bidder after clearing the technical evaluation,” he said, demanding allotment to highest bidders under strict legal terms.
KHNAM also alleged that two other parking lots at Khlieh Iewduh and Khyndailad are being operated departmentally on the ground of ongoing renovation.
“Even when there is a renovation of any parking space, it would not be difficult to calculate the holding capacity of the place. Moreover, the bidder is responsible for visiting the parking space and work out the offering bid,” the party said.
It suggested that NIT should be published and contract allotted through transparent tendering, which would also create jobs for local youth.
The party further alleged that parking fees collected at these locations are higher than authorised rates and demanded display of proper signboards with notified rates “so as to avoid extortion.”
