Is PPP only a paper dream?

Is PPP only a paper dream?
The Times of India

Bangalore: The gusto with which the IT industry took on the government circa September 2005 seemed infectious. Mid-way something happened and works that were slated to take off as a public-private participation (PPP) venture never did.

Some pointed instances:
To address the woes of major arterial roads which take the bulk of traffic, some companies had come forward to fund construction of footpaths. The promises have apparently remained on paper.

Suranjandas Road hailed as a connectivity road between the IT hub and the Defence establishments, was supposed to have been tackled by a builder. After an estimate of Rs 8 crore was presented, silence reigned.

Whatever happened to the fresh spirit of PPP, which was a result of the extended dialogues between IT honchos and the government including civic bodies in the city? Declares BMP commissioner K Jothiramalingam: “In the first instance, we did not ask for private partnership, they offered it voluntarily. But if they are not able to keep up promises let them not make any. Many IT companies had come forward to offer monetary help which have remained on paper.’’

After the high-voltage talks and meetings that was the hallmark of September, deadlines were laid for at least five different projects, all to do with pathetic roads. Some ‘fast-track’ identified roads had deadlines of December. They have vamooshed. Tendering process was delayed... we were waiting for exemption from Transparency Act... rains delayed the work... motivation was low... are just some of the excuses.

What then is the definitive infrastructure thrust this year?

Explains Jothiramalingam: “We may spend some Rs 970 crore this year, again it depends on the Corporation’s execution capacity. We are thinking of a special purpose vehicle for major roads of Bangalore. This will help in the physical and financial health of the civic body.’’