SURKHET: The procurement process for Package-2 of the Bheri Pumping Drinking Water Project has been cancelled over concerns about the reliability and security of the government’s electronic procurement (e-GP) system.
The World Bank has recommended that the Nepal government cancel the ongoing process and invite fresh bids. The Bank has not raised concerns over the Bheri project’s bidding process itself, but over the integrity of the e-GP system used during bidding and evaluation.
Package-2 covers pipeline expansion, household tap connections and the construction of the project’s operation and management system in Birendranagar. Bid evaluation was underway when concerns over the security of the e-GP system emerged.
The World Bank said the system-related concerns could affect the transparency, fairness and competitiveness of the procurement process. It has recommended fresh bidding to ensure equal treatment of bidders and protect the integrity of the competition.
The new process is expected to require hard-copy bid submissions instead of electronic submissions. The rebidding may delay the project, but the World Bank has agreed to support an extension of the project timeline.
The decision follows a CIB investigation into unauthorized access to Nepal’s e-GP system and alleged manipulation of tender documents.
The Bheri project has achieved around 40% physical progress and aims to lift 560 liters of water per second from the Bheri River to supply drinking water to households in Birendranagar.
