Raphael Warjri

The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement or KHNAM has flagged alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency in the management of public toilets and parking lots under the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority, calling for immediate administrative intervention.

In a representation submitted to the MUDA Chairman and Secretary on October 12, KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah cited information obtained under the Right to Information  Act, which, he said, had raised serious questions over the tendering process and the collection of user fees at public facilities.

According to the representation, the Notice Inviting Tender  for three public toilets at Pahsyntiew Shopping Complex and Parking Lot, Khlieh Iewduh Parking Lot, and Khyndai Bah Ryntieh Police Bazar Shopping Complex-cum-Parking Lot was issued nearly a year ago.

However, KHNAM alleged that despite prospective bidders submitting the requisite documents and paying the prescribed tender fees, the tenders remain unopened, while the facilities continue to function under the department’s management.

The movement also questioned the alleged engagement of individuals who are not MUDA employees in the operation of the public toilets.

Further raising concerns over revenue collection, KHNAM alleged that the user charges being collected at these facilities exceeded the rates prescribed by the competent authority, potentially resulting in the unauthorised collection of excess fees from the public.

Seeking greater accountability in the allotment of public contracts, the organisation demanded that parking lot tenders be processed through a transparent and competitive bidding mechanism. It maintained that contracts should be awarded to the highest bidder only after due verification of documents and completion of the mandatory technical evaluation, in accordance with the prescribed rules.