Shillong, Oct 12: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) wanted transparency in the operation of public toilets and parking lots under the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah said replies through RTI revealed that tenders for three public toilets were not opened even a year after floating the bid.
“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.
In a memorandum to the MUDA chairman, Passah 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 individuals who are at these public toilets are more than the rate prescribed by the authority which would amount to extortion,” the representation said.
Regarding parking lots, KHNAM questioned the allotment of Garikhana parking to 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.
He pointed out 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.
Passah demanded allotment to highest bidders under strict legal terms.
KHNAM said that two other parking lots at Khlieh Iewduh and Khyndailad are being operated departmentally by citing 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 KHNAM said.
According to KHNAM, the NIT should be published and contract allotted through transparent tendering.
The party said parking fees collected at the locations are higher than authorised rates.
“We demand display of proper signboards with notified rates so as to avoid extortion”, he said.
