Simplex Project Ltd stripped of all major projects
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 16 2020:
The State Government has cancelled work orders allotted to Kolkata-based Simplex Project Limited for several projects on the ground that the company is unable to complete the projects till date.
The projects executed by Simplex Project Limited whose work orders have now been cancelled include the Civil Secretariat of Lei Ingkhol, Ima Market complex at the erstwhile Tombisana High School complex and the Information Technology-Special Economic Zone, Mantripukhri.
In addition to these three major works, work orders for construction of two foot overbridges within Imphal city were allotted to the same company.
One of the foot over-bridge should be constructed near TG Higher Secondary School while the site for the other has not been ascertained yet.
Notably, construction of the Civil Secretariat at Lei Ingkhol, Ima Market complex at erstwhile Tombisana High School campus and Information Technology-Special Economic Zone at Mantripukhri were initiated during the time of the previous Government headed by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.
Some of the major projects/works which the Simplex Project Limited successfully completed during the tenure of ex-Chief Minister O Ibobi are High Court complex, Sanjenthong Bridge, Assembly complex, new buildings of JNIMS, three Ima Markets of Khwai-ramband, Thoubal market and the Khongjom War Memorial.
PWD (Building Division) Chief Engineer N Noren told The Sangai Express that due tender process has been completed to hand over the incomplete portions of Civil Secretariat, Ima Market at erstwhile Tombisana High School campus and Information Technology-Special Economic Zone to other agencies.
Moreover, the bank guarantee amount deposited by Simplex Project Limited has been forfeited as it could not complete the projects within the stipulated periods and has been inordinately delaying the projects.
As there has been cost escalation, the estimated amounts for completing the incomplete portions would rise.
As such, the department would explore ways so that the Simplex Project Limited pays the additional amount needed above the estimated amounts for completing the incomplete portions, Noren said.
The State Government may also initiate due process to ban all projects being executed by the company within the country, if necessary, said the Chief Engineer.
Informing that tender process is underway for construction of a huge G+5 building at the site earlier occupied by High Court, Noren said that the huge building would provide accommodation to the President, the Prime Minister, foreign Ambassadors and Union Ministers as and when they visit the State.
As of now, it is estimated that the building would cost around Rs 143 crore.
The G+5 building would be constructed with State fund, added the Chief Engineer.
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