The government has decided to award the river training work of the much-talked-about Padma bridge project to Sinohydro Corporation Ltd, a Chinese company.
The cabinet committee on public purchase took the decision at a meeting held yesterday with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair.
“The committee has approved the proposal, put forward by the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, for river training work,” the finance minister told the Dhaka Tribune after the meeting.
River training work would not start soon as the bridge division have to go through different procedures, he said, adding that work would start after the government signs a contract in this regard.
About the allegation of blacklisting Sinohydro by the World Bank, the minister said, “There is no allegation against the Chinese company. We have not found any written allegation against this company on the World Bank’s website.”
Not only the Chinese company but also the government agency was responsible for delay in constructing the Dhaka–Chittagong four-lane highway, he added.
Sinohydro was the lowest bidder which offered to carry out the job at Tk8,707 crore. Of the total, 70.30% would come as foreign exchange.
After the meeting, Joint Secretary of Cabinet Division Mustafizur Rahman told reporters that Sinohydro offered Tk8,707 crore which was 9.97% lower compared to projected cost.
Two other foreign firms --Jan De N.V from Belgium and South Korean firm Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company Ltd --also took part in the tender, he said, adding that Jan De N.V made a bid of Tk16,438 crore while Hyundai Tk12,122 crore, 25.33% higher compared to estimated price of Tk9,672 crore.
Sources said despite its poor performance in another projects, recommendation was made in favour of the Chinese company.
The bridge authority had already completed the selection of companies for construction of main bridge, two approach roads and development of a service area.
