No takers for Flora Fountain work, BMC re-estimates cost

So far, it floated tenders six times but for four times BMC received no response and in another two times, bids were above the project cost

The Heritage Conservation Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has re-estimated the cost for the renovation work of the Flora Fountain.

The phase II project cost which includes beautification of surrounding area near Flora Fountain.

Earlier, for the phase II beautification project, the civic corporation estimated Rs 2. 37 crore. However, after poor response and receiving highest bidders twice the BMC has eventually scrapped their plan cost.

A senior civic officer remarked that now the new cost is estimated taking into account the present market value and the newly introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

He further said, “Earlier the estimated price was made based on the market value of 2015 which was two years old. Hence, we are hoping after re-estimation the response of bidders would improve to some extent. Currently, the re-estimated price has been sent to the higher authorities for final approval.”

So far the civic corporation floated six times the tender for phase II beautification project. Out of six the BMC received two bidder named D R Shah and M Devang during second and sixth time but both the companies gave the amount 50 per cent more than the project estimated cost and therefore it was scrapped and for the other four times they received no response eventually scrapping the tenders process for all six times. Earlier, Free Press Journal on July 23 published an article about BMC failure to get appropriate contractor even after six times the tender was floated.

Intact, a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) has undertaken the first phase work which includes restoration of the Flora Fountain monument at estimated cost of Rs. 1.51 crore in the year 2016 June and was supposed to finish the work by June 2017.

However , the company has missed the expected deadline. The civic officer said, “The restoration work has been completed by 70 per cent as by using vapour treatment the monument is being preserved. The technique involves giving steam to the structure and removing the algae and dust from it so as to restore it back to its original loo which takes time.”

Inaugurated in 1869, the Flora Fountain is made of Portland stone and was dedicated to Governor Bartle Frere. It was commissioned by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India and built at a total cost of Rs 47,000, at that time. The design was prepared by R Norman Shaw and the fountain was sculpted in imported Portland stone by James Forsythe, who was among Britain’s finest sculptors.