Python machines scam: Gobbles funds, not potholes!
Money was claimed for six Python machines, but only one was pressed to service.
Bengaluru: ‘Python’, a pothole-filling machine which was touted as a remedy for effectively filling potholes mechanically, has turned out to be a scam as the taxpayers’ money has been siphoned off in the name of the ‘Pythons’!
The Technical Vigilance Committee under the Commissioner (TVCC) has unearthed a scam, where money has been claimed for six pothole-filling ‘Pythons’ while only one machine was pressed into service! The TVCC had observed several loopholes during the tendering process which favoured the American Technologies Company, said sources.
Three years back tenders were floated to address pothole-ridden roads mechanically at all the arterial and sub-arterial routes. Following which the American Technologies Company bagged the tender to fill the potholes along 1,940 kms in the BBMP jurisdiction. It may be recalled that the machine arrived in Bengaluru very late thus putting the public to great distress by delaying the pothole filling, added sources.
However, the sub-standard quality of the pothole filling by the ‘Python’ was exposed as the filled potholes kept opening up in quick succession. Even the corporators, including the then chairman of the Major Works Standing Committee B. Somashekar objected to the quality of the pothole-filling and the same was discussed at the council meet, said sources.
As per the tender agreement, six ‘Python’ machines should have been used to fill the potholes. But according to records, just one machine was registered in November 2013 and two others in February 2015. For about one and a half year only one machine was utilised for the pothole filling and money was claimed for the use of six machines.
For the past three years the contractor has claimed Rs 6.05 crores and a bill has been submitted for a further Rs 1.43 crores. The entire tendering process itself has become invalid as the company has defaulted as the technical evaluation and capability of the Contractor was not tested. Either it should have a pothole filling machine or have a Memorandum of Understanding with companies owning pothole-filing machines.