More Ferry Tales

Ferry tale of ferries

Sometime ago the River Navigation Department issued a tender notice calling for bidders to repair six ferries. That really happened some time ago as I have suggested meaningfully just to put across the point that this government and its River Navigation minister are really casual towards the whole affair. It is difficult to assess but the estimates were probably actuated by experts, but were probably put down as matter-of-fact. The fact remains this is what the 'experts' determined.

DETAILS OF THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS

Dudhsagar Rs 32,22,430

Quepem Rs 31,12,098

Chandor Rs 37,07,576

Zuari Rs 35,88,741

Canacona Rs 38,27,481

Harvalem Rs 32,82,747

The date fixed for opening of the bids was November 14, 2008.

These estimates were made by the department despite its claim that building a new ferry costs Rs 30 lakhs for what is loosely termed as a ferry that can carry five cars. A barge builder I spoke to agreed with this cost adding a ferry that could take six cars would cost Rs 35 lakh.

In Divar of course this has no meaning, because most of its people, among other things prefer breaking the queue. They literally nudge in to your car as happened to me on Saturday night by a very middle class gentleman; or as Ratnakar Dandekar's huge truck does, barges into you. The driver apparently thinks, like all his bosses, that the Indian economy exists because of them, and therefore they can take over the narrow lanes of Divar. But back to the problem of road rage driving by the islanders. I really need to wonder in this column why people take out their ire on fellow villagers and not on MLA Pundurang Madkaikar who frankly is doing doing nothing for Divar.


Let the tales begin

Ratna Engineering Works quoted as follows in respect of the requirement; steel to be renewed: Chandor Rs 23,02,000; Quepem Rs 18,65,200; Dudhsagar Rs 6,48,830. Requirement of scrapping, chipping, painting: Chandor Rs 2,65,053, Quepem Rs 2,65,053Dudhsagar Rs 2,65,053. Requirement of carpentry repairs: Chandor Rs 3,82,514; Quepem Rs 2,77,970; Dudhsagar Rs 3,74,450. Requirement of stern gear repairs: Chandor Rs 46,900; Quepem Rs 46,900; Dudhsagar Rs 89,700. Requirement of engine and gearbox: Chandor Rs 82,111, Quepem Rs 82,111, Dudhsagar 82,111. Requirement of repairing winch and steering system: Chandor Rs 1,31,800; Quepem Rs 1,31,800; Dudhsagar Rs 1,31,800. Requirement of electrical repairs: Chandor Rs 47,070; Quepem Rs 47,070; Dudshagar Rs 47,070.

I know I called on you to use your imagination in the farce called 'renovation of the garden at Rua De Ourem.' Do it again. That is why the government called this bluff. Not for your sake, but because one of the bidders used his influence and your montris made a noise in the hallowed Assembly.

The bluff

Take a look at the cost of replacing the corroded steel plates of the three ferries in question. How far off is Rs 6 lakh from Rs 23 lakh? You could be right in asking the question: will the department's surveyors consider the sharp drop in the price of steel when the tender is finally reissued. Do you think I could be wrong if I ventured to say that very obviously, and you can see that for yourself, that one bidder actually, simply, and clearly wrote out the other bids himself. Really, if you can't then I need to get a life.

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