Dhaka, May 25 (UNB) - A proposal is going to be considered by the Cabinet Purchase Committee on Monday next to appoint a consulting firm for the proposed Moghbazar-Mouchak Flyover project.

According to sources at the LGRD Ministry, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has selected a joint venture of Australian-based firm SMEC International and its three local associated firms for the consultancy job.

The three associates are ACE Consultants Ltd, SARM Associates Ltd and the Kranti Associates Ltd.

The government undertook the Moghbazar-Mouchak Flyover project in 2010 at an estimated cost of Tk 772.70 crore to ease the traffic congestion in the city’s Sathrasta, FDC, Moghbazar, Mouchak and Malibagh intersections and adjoining areas.

Of the total project cost, the government will finance Tk 200 crore from its own fund while Saudi Development Fund (SDF) Tk 375.24 crore. The rest of the amount, Tk 197 crore, will come from OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the project in 2011 to implement it in between January 2011 to December 2013. Although more than one year and four months have elapsed, the LGED could not yet start its implementation works.

After a long exercise of tender process, the LGED now has selected the consultant to review the design and supervision of the construction works of the flyover projects at a contract value of about Tk 13.25 crore.

Sources said a total of four bidders were found to be responsive for the consultancy services of the flyover project. Of them, the first ranking one lastly refused to sign contract with the government. After the refusal, the second ranking firm - JV of SMES and three local firms - was picked up by the LGED.