Standing committee member alleges corruption in cleaning

Mumbai, Jun 18 (UNI) NCP civic corporator and Standing Committee member in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Niyaz Ahmed Vaanu has alleged of mass corruption worth over 21 lakh in the contract for clearance of debris and garbage in F North ward.

Mr Vaanu said the contract was given to a company called Citi Corporation for a period of 8 months from July 31, 2003 to March 31 2004, amounting to Rs 21,70,800.

''The same contract was extended for a period of 2 years from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2006, and the cost was added to Rs 85,74,858, ie around Rs 20 lakhs more than the previous rate.'' Vaanu said.

Vaanu said the same tender was revised and the cost was increased to Rs 1,05,85,872 for an increased quantity of garbage.

The same tender was extended for a period of 9 months and the amount passed was Rs 68,06,250 and for the increased quantity of work for the period of 8 months, an additional amount of Rs 19,61,784 was passed.

''The biggest irony is that the contractor after a period of 14 months since the expiry of the contract, has demanded a sum of Rs 20 lakh approximately, for the extra month done in April, 06, and the standing committee will have to discuss this matter on June 20'', he added.

UNI