CONSTRUCTION OF SIDE DRAIN, CATCH PIT AND MANHOLE

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office of the Municipal Executive has published an invitation for electronic bids for an important infrastructure project aimed at improving the city's drainage system. This document provides comprehensive details about the project, bidding process, and requirements for potential contractors. Let's explore the key aspects of this infrastructure development initiative that will contribute to better urban functioning in Nepal's capital city.

Project Overview

The project titled "Construction of Side Drain, Catch Pit and Manhole" represents a significant investment in Kathmandu's urban infrastructure. These drainage components are essential for managing stormwater runoff, preventing flooding, and maintaining sanitary conditions throughout the metropolitan area. The project is funded through the Kathmandu Metropolitan City's own resources along with support from the Government of Nepal (GoN).

The drainage infrastructure being constructed consists of three main components:

1. Side Drains: These are channels constructed alongside roads to collect and direct surface water runoff. They prevent water accumulation on roadways, reducing road damage and improving traffic safety during rainy periods.
2. Catch Pits: These are basin-like structures designed to catch debris, sediment, and other solid materials carried by stormwater before it enters the drainage system. They function as a preliminary filtration system, preventing blockages in the main drainage lines.
3. Manholes: These access points to underground utilities allow maintenance workers to inspect, clean, and repair drainage systems. Properly positioned manholes are crucial for effective long-term maintenance of the drainage network.

Bidding Information and Requirements

The invitation specifies crucial details about the bidding process that potential contractors must understand:

IFB Number: 04-08-081-082-NCBW-PWD-KMC

Cost of Bidding Document: NRs. 5,000.00 (Nepali Rupees Five Thousand Only)

Bid Bond Amount: NRs. 6,70,000.00 (Nepali Rupees Six Lakh Seventy Thousand Only)

Last Date and Time of Bid Submission: 2081-12-24 (Nepali calendar date), 12:00 hour

Bid Opening Date and Time: 2081-12-24 (Nepali calendar date), 14:00 hour

Date and Time of Pre-Bid Meeting: 2081-12-14 (Nepali calendar date), 14:00 hour

It's important to note that the project follows the Nepali calendar system (Bikram Sambat) for dates, which is approximately 56-57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The corresponding Gregorian dates would be:

• Pre-Bid Meeting: March 27, 2025
• Bid Submission Deadline: April 6, 2025
• Bid Opening: April 6, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

The document clearly states that the bidding opportunity is open exclusively to eligible Nepalese bidders. This requirement aligns with Nepal's procurement policies that often prioritize local contractors to support domestic economic development and ensure that projects are executed with understanding of local conditions and standards.

Bidding Document Access

Potential bidders have multiple avenues to access the bidding documents:

1. Physical Inspection: Interested parties can visit the KMC-Public Works Department at Babarmahal, Kathmandu during office hours.
2. Online Access: Complete bidding documents are available through the e-GP system at www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp. This digital accessibility reflects the Kathmandu Metropolitan City's commitment to modernizing procurement processes.
3. Registration Requirement: Bidders must register in the e-GP system and deposit the specified document cost (NRs. 5,000.00) into NIC Asia Bank Ltd., Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Procurement Unit, Account No. 00120500614750043.

Pre-Bid Meeting

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled at the KMC-Public Works Department on the specified date. These meetings are crucial as they:

1. Allow potential bidders to seek clarifications on technical specifications
2. Provide an opportunity to inspect relevant project sites or documents
3. Help bidders understand the client's expectations better
4. Address potential issues before bid submission
5. Create a level playing field by ensuring all bidders have access to the same information

Bid Submission Requirements

The document outlines specific requirements for bid submission:

1. Electronic Submission Only: All bids must be submitted electronically through the PPMO website (www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp).
2. Strict Deadline: Bids received after the submission deadline will be rejected without consideration.
3. Bid Opening Process: Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders' representatives who choose to attend.
4. Bid Validity: Bids must remain valid for 90 days after bid opening.
5. Bid Security: Each bid must be accompanied by a scanned copy of bid security in PDF format, valid for 30 days beyond the bid validity period (a total of 120 days).

Financial Security Requirements

The invitation outlines specific financial security requirements:

Bid Security Options:

1. Bid security issued by an authorized Financial Institution
2. Cash deposited in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City's Deposit account at NIC Asia Bank Ltd., Account No. 00120500614930005

This security serves as a guarantee that the winning bidder will proceed with the contract. If the selected bidder fails to sign the contract or provide performance security, this amount is typically forfeited.

Rights of the Employer

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City reserves several important rights in the bidding process:

1. The right to accept or reject any bid
2. The right to annul the bidding process
3. The right to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award

These provisions protect the municipality from being forced to accept unsuitable bids or proceed with the project under unfavorable conditions. Importantly, the document states that exercising these rights does not incur any liability to bidders.

Contingency Planning

The invitation shows foresight by including a contingency provision: if the scheduled date for bid opening or pre-bid meeting falls on a public holiday, the event will be postponed to the next working day. This demonstrates administrative preparedness and commitment to procedural consistency.

Significance of the Project

The "Construction of Side Drain, Catch Pit and Manhole" project holds substantial importance for Kathmandu's urban development:

1. Flood Mitigation: Kathmandu experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, making effective drainage crucial for preventing flooding in densely populated areas.
2. Public Health: Proper drainage reduces standing water that can become breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitoes.
3. Infrastructure Protection: Effective drainage systems protect roads, buildings, and other infrastructure from water damage.
4. Urban Mobility: By preventing waterlogging, the project will help maintain transportation efficiency during rainy seasons.
5. Environmental Impact: Properly designed drainage systems can incorporate features to filter pollutants before water enters natural water bodies.

Broader Context

This project should be understood within Nepal's broader urban development context. Kathmandu has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades, placing significant stress on existing infrastructure. The city faces challenges including unplanned development, population density, and topographical constraints that complicate infrastructure implementation.

The investment in drainage infrastructure represents an important step in addressing these challenges. By improving basic urban services, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City is working toward creating a more resilient urban environment capable of supporting continued growth and development.

Conclusion

The invitation for electronic bids for the "Construction of Side Drain, Catch Pit and Manhole" project demonstrates the Kathmandu Metropolitan City's commitment to improving urban infrastructure through transparent procurement processes. The clear specifications, timeline, and requirements provide potential bidders with the information needed to develop competitive proposals.

For eligible Nepalese contractors with experience in drainage infrastructure, this project presents a significant opportunity to contribute to urban development while securing valuable work. The detailed bidding process outlined in the invitation ensures fair competition and helps ensure that the selected contractor will deliver quality work that meets the city's needs.

As Kathmandu continues to grow and develop, investments in basic infrastructure like drainage systems will play a crucial role in determining the city's livability, resilience, and sustainability. This project represents an important step toward addressing current challenges and preparing for future needs.