Is PPP a project only on paper?

Is PPP a project only on paper?
Builders Say They Are Ready, But BMP Says It’s Not To Blame
The Times of India

Bangalore: Is PPP (public-private partnership) just in the air? Six months after a verbal agreement on specific infrastructure projects, work has not started on any.

It’s the usual rigmarole: Private builders say they are ready, but Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) disclaims control or responsibility.

BMP commissioner K Jothiramalingam said: “Our discussions and consensus was all verbal. There was no MoU. If IT firms and builders don’t deliver, I can’t pull them up.’’

But, in the case of Wind Tunnel Road, BMP stopped the proposed PPP. Reason: “Embassy said it would develop the road, with the rider of restricted entry. I cannot allow that.’’

The builders have their own story: The pavement on MG Road, in two stretches, was the dream project of Puravankara and Prestige groups. “We initiated tenders and called for contractors. PPP is a new concept, so civic authorities should take the lead,’’ said Prestige Group vice-president M Suryakanth.

Nitesh Shetty of Nitesh Estates has a similar take: “After the talks, things went slow between the BMP and us. They wanted us to do things that we are not competent at, like taking care of underground cables.’’

Galvanising builders and arranging interfaces between government officials is Flextronics VP, R K Misra, empowered committee on infrastructure member. “We’ve been successful to a large extent, but failed in the adopt-a-footpath scheme. Some builders developed cold feet when they saw the costs involved. What is the point putting cobble-stone pavements which already exist? Quality is the key here. I am going to take up the issue with the chief secretary.’’