Neel Metal Fanalca, the private firm in-charge of clearing garbage in four zones in the city, is likely to be replaced by another firm.
The Chennai Corporation plans to float tenders for contractors who can take over conservancy work in Adyar, Kodambakkam, Ice House and Pulianthope. It had earlier planned to take over conservancy operations in these zones and even started the process of recruitment and procurement of equipment.
A senior Corporation official told The Hindu that subject to the approval of the State government, tenders would be floated with more stringent conditions. “Their [Neel Metal Fanalca] services are poor… we have been asking them to improve the garbage collection,” the official said.
Following complaints from residents and councillors regarding poor garbage clearance by the private firm, the civic body has taken over conservancy operations in eight wards that were initially with the company, during the last few months.
Mayor M.Subramanian said that the civic body has been stepping in to clear garbage from areas where it receives more complaints.
At one point, the Corporation Council had debated removing it altogether owing to inefficient work. However, the Madras High Court had directed that the services of Neel Metal Fanalca should continue till December 2011, when the contract period expires. So, the new firm would take over operations from January 2012.
Once the contract period comes to an end, the civic body has to take a call on whether to appoint a private operator or undertake conservancy work on its own for these zones.
Leader of the Opposition in the Corporation Council Saidai P. Ravi said that the poor performance of the private firm had not only put the residents to hardship but also earned a bad name for the civic body.
“I had opposed the proposal to engage Neel Metal Fanalca as it did not have enough experience. Onyx, its predecessor, was doing a better job,” he said. Mr. Ravi wanted the civic body to work out a minimum price taking into consideration all costs including that of labour and machinery. He also said that the civic body must look into the track record of the company before signing the contract.
Neel Metal Fanalca had begun conservancy work in three zones in August 2007 and later on taken over work in the fourth zone.
