By Our Spl Correspondent
Kolkata: AL Hek, Minister in charge GAD, visited the Meghalaya House at Russel Street in Kolkata on Friday. He was accompanied by HM Shangpliang, Trade Adviser & Director of Movements, Anderson Dkhar, SDO PWD in-charge Meghalaya House, Kolkata.
Hek expressed satisfaction with the construction work of M/S Asian Housing & Construction Pvt Ltd, and desired that the Meghalaya House at Russel Street be inaugurated soon. The building is expected to be handed over to the State Government by the builder after the pending bills are paid.
Meanwhile, Hek stated that the matter related to the payment of the pending amount of Rs 26 crore is being examined by the Department to see if the escalated expenditure is justified and only then will the amount be released to the builder.
Further, Hek pointed out that the commercial complex which forms part of the newly constructed building could fetch substantial revenue for the State. “The longer the Government delays taking over the building the more income it stands to lose from the commercial complex since the building is located in the heart of the city,” Hek observed.
It may be mentioned that following an out of court settlement between the State Government and M/S Asian Housing & Constructions Pvt Ltd, an MOU was signed on May 20, 2005 by which the above work was allotted to the latter party on a turnkey basis for an amount of Rs 24.50 crore. This included the cost of all works as per Agreement and covering a built up area of 1,29,000 square feet. Work on the project started in October 2006 after obtaining mandatory clearances and sanctions from the West Bengal Heritage Committee and Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The target for completion was December 2008 but due to delay in commencement of work on account of encumbrances, the target was revised to be completed in all respects by September 2011.
In fact, the cost escalation from Rs 24.50 crore by an additional amount of Rs 26 crore is due to increase in the total built up area of 1,45,108 square feet against the original proposed area of 1,29,000 square feet. The reason for the enhanced cost is because AHCL has also taken up construction of all ancillary structures, basement parking etc., later. Also, the higher specification works like use of vetrified tiles, split air conditioners, terrazzo flooring and glazed tiles, fire fighting equipments, CCTV, lifts and electrical substation added to the cost.
The GAD Minister expressed hope that the much awaited Meghalaya House would be dedicated to the people of the State within this year.