Contractor denies wrongdoing in swimming pool construction

NEW DELHI - Ahluwalia Contracts, the firm which built the swimming pool complex for the Commonwealth Games, Tuesday refuted reports of collusion with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and receiving payment twice for the doing same job.

The CPWD had allegedly paid Ahluwalia Contracts double the amount for constructing the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex by awarding an additional contract for the job which was covered under the original contract.

The company strongly denied the reports and said it had not received any additional contracts.

“A composite contract of approximately Rs.230 crore for Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool complex was awarded to us, comprised of civil, electrical and mechanical works. No separate contract for construction of “Services Building” as alleged in the news item has ever been awarded to us,” said the company in a statement.

“Construction of service building was part of the main contract and has been paid accordingly. No separate or double payment has ever been received by us as alleged,” it added.

All major contracts awarded for construction of stadia and facilities have come under the scanner with various agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India conducting a probe.