Shillong, Aug 25: VPP MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Tuesday raised a Zero Hour notice on Rs 850 crore New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase-II, questioning tender structure and transparency.
Basaiawmoit said the tender for Phase-II Part-A valued at Rs 850.58 crore was floated on July 31 with bids closing August 28, 2026 and the House must seek clarity before financial commitment.
He said the government had earlier assured local contractors’ associations that Phase-II would not be floated as a single package as several components do not need highly specialised work. Single large package could exclude capable local contractors who lack financial capacity for a Rs 850 crore bid. Issue is not unfair preference but restricting competition, he said.
He sought detailed project cost, Bill of Quantities, whether Phase-I was completed and delivering water as designed, justification for Rs 850 crore cost and for single package instead of smaller viable packages.
He asked how many Meghalaya-based contractors are eligible for the entire package, steps for local participation, safeguards for competition and best value.
Flagging pending JJM bills crossing Rs 900 crore, he asked how the government will finance another Rs 850 crore project.
“Rs 850 crore is not merely a figure. It is taxpayers’ money,” he said, urging the government to place the detailed project cost and the complete Bill of Quantities, Phase-I expenditure and performance, justification for tender structure and funding pattern before awarding the contract.
PHE Minister Marcuise Marak in his reply said the scheme was sanctioned at Rs 850.589 crore, tender invited on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)mode on July 31.
Components include survey, design and laying of pumping mains from water treatment plant at Mawpdang to clear water reservoirs at Mawlynrei and Umsawli, construction of main and zonal reservoirs, feeder and distribution mains, pumping systems, pump houses, DG sets, power lines, substations, approach roads, integrated operation and technology, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System, labs, hydrants, motorable roads, non-residential blocks, backwater protection, rejuvenation of sources and pipelines.
The government said EPC was chosen due to scale and complexity — a single contractor responsible for engineering, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning and performance demonstration. It gives single-point accountability, better coordination, reduces interface delays, gives cost certainty and allows concurrent activities.
Contractor will also handle operation and maintenance for three years and ensure uninterrupted supply to households and institutions.
