SMC embroiled in controversy over awarding LED contract to another agency
Updated: Aug 17th, 2024
The Streetlight department of Surat Municipal Corporation has been embroiled in controversy over the installation of LED lights in the city. The department’s decision to award the contract to a different agency during the Tiranga Yatra than the one initially chosen has sparked furore among local residents.
The controversy escalated when the department presented an incomplete proposal to the Standing Committee for the installation of LED fittings in street lights. The proposal’s shortcomings led the committee to defer decision-making to the commissioner and to review its legal aspects before proceeding.
The retrofitting of street lights from conventional fittings to LED fittings and Centralised Control Monitoring System (CCMS) has been completed for Phase 1. However, Phase 2 remains unfinished due to a government agency’s unilateral suspension of work without consulting the municipality. The agency is now demanding ₹ 42 crore from the corporation.
In response, the Streetlight department has proposed three options to the Standing Committee, including continuing with the existing Energy Saving System or adopting a new one. The committee has tasked the municipal commissioner to decide on the next course of action and provide a legal opinion on the existing contracts.
The contract for this work is set to expire in December 2024, and it is uncertain whether the agencies will be able to handle the maintenance contract approved in December 2021. Discrepancies in the figures for Phase 2 fittings have also been noted, further complicating the situation.
The proposal states that the agency E.E.S.L was tasked with installing 27,950 LED fittings in Phase 2, of which 14,739 were completed. The proposal suggests options for finishing the remaining 7,000 conventional fittings, but according to the department’s calculations, 13,211 fittings are still pending.
This has led to accusations that the proposal misleadingly underrepresents the scope of work for 7,000 fittings, worsening the issues with the department’s operations.
Also read :
Public benches make their way to private societies in Surat, spark outrage
Your privacy
By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree Gujarat Samachar can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy