JOIN USMore than 1,800 projects have been executed in the past four months on piecework basis at a cost of Rs 16.03 crore. The tendency is so deeply entrenched in the Corporation that a syndicate of officials, elected representatives and contractors has come into operation to cater to the piecework projects.
Host of works - construction of parks, roads and drainage, installation of streetlights and even shifting of transformers - have been executed on piecework basis.
In all the cases, conscientious effort has been made to see that the project cost does not exceed Rs 99,900 with the sole purpose of keeping it out of the purview of the Transparency Act. Rules, however, stipulate that piecework contracts could be awarded only for emergency works.
According to sources, elected representatives suggest such projects to officials who come out with an estimate. A project is split into several parts, with the estimated cost of each component not exceeding Rs one lakh.
All such piecework contracts are awarded to the contractors of the syndicate and those recommended by the elected representatives. Some corporators raised their voice against the practice at the Council meetings.
However, the opposition was quelled in a systematic manner. According to the documents available with Deccan Herald, more than 150 piecework contracts were awarded on February 7, 2011 alone. The approval of the Standing Committee on Finance has not been obtained for such contracts awarded after 2008.
“It is not right to award piecework contracts except during emergencies. But that’s not the case here. Government funds have been siphoned off in the guise of such contracts,” alleged Opposition leader Latifikhan Pathan.
Mayor Manda Balekundri said she was aware of the practice, and has sought a report from the commissioner.