MC awaits Pb poll commission’s nod for opening tenders

Ludhiana: Municipal corporation has sought permission from Punjab state election commission through principal secretary of local bodies department to open tenders and ensure that bitumen plant on Hambra Road comes in operation.
Meanwhile, MC has started patch work from Wednesday onwards on the main roads where which were in dire need of immediate repair work.The officials claimed they had kept aside some material to carry out the repair of a few roads and had also applied for permission to the state election commission for floating the tenders. Since there was only a single bidder to supply material for the plant in the first try, the tenders had to be floated again. With the election code of conduct imposed, MC can not not open tenders as of now without seeking commission’s permission.
The city roads, especially the main roads and the inner areas, are in dire need of patch work as they have torn asphalt. The officials claimed that though they run the bitumen plant at their own, they are dependant on private contractors for supply of material and hence they need to float the tenders every year. The tenders are to be opened on March 22 because of which they have sought permission now.
Confirming the same, superintending engineer of bridges and road department HS Bhullar said, “We have approached Punjab state election commission for allowing us to open tenders because residents are facing a tough time. Now everything depends upon their nod.”
In the absence of necessary repair work, the MC is facing public’s wrath. A businessman and resident of Model Town Gurpal Grewal shared that roads are turning death traps for the residents because even in busiest roundabouts and main chowks there are deep potholes due to which people have been facing problems while driving. He said if authorities will not wake up and repair these roads then people will have to protest against the department.
Box: MC offices to remain open on SAT/SUN for tax collection
For the convenience of the residents who are yet to clear their dues, the MC offices will remain open on March 23, 24, 30 and 31. The residents can go and deposit their property tax, water supply and sewerage dues on these dates as well. Apart from this, officials are told to remain in field and collect tax. As many as 70,000 messages have been sent to defaulters for clearing their dues. The department has recovered Rs 70 crore from property tax, but are yet to recover Rs 30 crore more. Meanwhile, from water supply and sewerage dues, the officials could achieve only 50% of their target this year.