Authority suspends metro rail consultancy work

 Consultancy work for institutional development of the country's first metro rail system has been suspended before its completion, sources said.
The board of directors of the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) did not extend the tenure of the consultancy company in its last meeting though the company sought time to complete the remaining work.
Sources said Oriental Consultant Global Company Limited (OCGCL) had earlier got eight months' extension after completion of its 18-month contract tenure. But the firm could not complete its job during its first extension period that ended in December 2016.
OCGCL was supposed to draw up a number of recruitment-related plans and policies including organogram, accounting policy, salary sheet, recruitment policy and operational guidelines to launch the first-of-its- kind company to run the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line-6 covering Uttara-Motijheel corridor.
Based on the company's set-up and related policies and guidelines, the government is supposed to construct, operate and maintain four other MRTs in different corridors for easing traffic congestion in the capital city.
Officials said since getting the work, the company took several months to start its assigned tasks. Besides, it could not mobilise right persons as consultants in time.
The board was not happy with the company, they added.
"We have got 95 per cent of the work from OCGCL.  The remaining works could be done with the project's own resources," said Project Director Mohammad Mofazzel Hosain.
However, MAN Siddique, chairman of the Board of Directors, said the board took the decision not to extend the contract of OCGCL to follow the government's policy to get time-based consultancy support.
"OCGCL was given enough time to complete the work. As it could not complete it, the project will take support of consultants when needed", Mr Siddique, also Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, told the FE over phone.
He said the decision was taken to stop misuse of government funds as many consultancy works are seasonal.
It is learnt that the DMRTP has decided to take time-based support from the general consultant of the project to complete the remaining institutional development work.
However, sources said OCGCL's works were affected following the terror attack on Holey Artisan in Gulshan as the company consultants did not return to its office after the incident for long.
Due to the delay, the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority took some of the responsibilities and drafted metro rail bill and procurement guidelines with the support of other consultants.
smunima@yahoo.com