No Plans for Reduction or Retrenchment of Employees - Ramky
The MSW Rules 2000 framed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 makes it mandatory for every municipal corporation to collect, treat and dispose of Municipal Solid Waste in a systematic and scientific manner. GHMC in its effort to comply with the same had called in for tenders.
-- After a transparent bidding process Ramky has got this project and will develop and implement this project as per regulations stipulated in MSW Rules 2000. A Special Purpose Company named as “Hyderabad Integrated MSW Ltd” (HiMSW) has been registered to develop and implement the project professionally. The project is in the nature of Public Private Partnership (PPP). HiMSW will also bring all the expertise required from international experience to develop this project in Hyderabad. HiMSW has already engaged an internationally renowned consultant to assist in planning, implementation and development of this project in all components.
There is no increase in the project cost and even if there is any increase, there is no additional liability or obligation on part of GHMC as the project is PPP nature, indicating that HiMSW has to make any and all the investments required for the project. Currently GHMC is incurring the amounts only in relation to collection & transport. The scope of work and obligations of the project include effective primary collection, secondary collection, transfer station management (Upgrading existing 3 and creating 5 new transfer stations), treatment and disposal and capping of existing dumpsites in accordance with the provisions of MSW Rules 2000. It may be noted that scope of services is more than double of what GHMC was earlier executing. Hence, the allegation that GHMC has agreed to pay additional cost to HiMSW to the extent of double the cost currently being incurred by GHMC is incorrect.
The current agreement contemplates a higher degree and quality of waste management vide up gradation of existing collection and transportation system, improvements and effective operation of transfer stations and development and operations of waste management facility including scientific and aesthetic capping of existing and old dump sites. The project ensures GHMC being in complete compliance with MSW Rules 2000 and ensures high degree of hygiene and sanity through proper waste management. A qualified Independent Engineer will be appointed by GHMC through an open bidding process. This IE will monitor the HiMSW’s performance on day to day basis to ensure the service delivery.
The lands would be allocated at Shamshiguda, Fatullaguda & Gandhamguda to cap the existing dump and to develop new transfer stations. No commercial activities outside the project scope at the sites are allowed. These lands would be leased to HiMSW during the Concession period.
Important aspect to be noted is that the current contract does not include “Sweeping” activity and most of the workforce on behalf of GHMC is engaged in this activity only and such large contingent of Workforce continues to be working under the ambit of GHMC only. We wish to confirm that there is no plan for reduction or retrenchment of employees and this would not lead to any such problems. In the existing setup of GHMC also only 10-15% of the employees are from GHMC and rest are all through different contracts. Ramky will take over the project on ‘as it is’ basis and will not resort to retrenchment of employees and also enter into formal contract with existing contractors
The existing tricycle operators are an important link in Door to Door collection. We are planning to upgrade their working conditions by providing them protective gear and regular health checkups. They will continue with their work normally
Notes to Editor
Ramky is a specialist multi-disciplinary organization focused in areas of civil, environmental & waste management infrastructure with specific emphasis on ‘Public Private Partnership’ Projects. REEL is a pioneer and leader in India in the area of integrated waste management with over 50 projects in 11states. It is managing MSW projects in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Guwahati, Kolhapur, etc.