ADB-funded Waste Water And Sewerage Projects At CMC Under Fire Over Murky Tenders

Waste water and sewerage projects at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC)  - funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) - have come under fire for 'murky" tender procedures, sources close to the CMC told Asian Mirror.

Some corrupt businessmen, who are linked with corrupt officials serving in technical evaluation boards, secure tenders through flawed procedures and delay the implementation of ADB-funded projects. This affects the transparency of the whole process and brings the intentions of the ADB into serious question," an informed sources at the CMC said. 

They added that the names of some top-notch politicians and business tycoon had been used to cover up alleged malpractices. "The delay in implementation of such projects," they added, "has already caused enormous difficulties for residents of Colombo, who should be at the receiving end of their benefits."

As a corrective measure, the sources said, the ADB should review this situation and remove certain corrupt officials from the technical evaluation committees. 

"It is proven beyond doubt that the assistance of foreign experts is needed to ensure the smooth implementation of these projects," they added.