PMCs come under scanner over quality of civic works in Chennai Corporation

The role of project management consultants (PMCs) in overseeing Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) works came under scanner at the council meeting on Friday, with councillors pointing to poor-quality works and questioning the need for consultants in projects funded by the civic body.

DMK councillor C. Velu and Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar said several pavements had been damaged within six to seven months of completion in their respective wards and alleged that PMCs were not properly checking the infrastructure works.

Mayor R. Priya added that the move, even though brought in with good intent initially, it was not implemented well. In some instances, even diploma students were involved in checking the quality of works in some projects by PMCs and suggested that the GCC’s own engineering personnel could undertake such inspections instead.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran clarified that projects funded through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and KfW mandated the engagement of PMCs as part of the funding conditions.

Deputy Mayor Magesh Kumar said PMCs might not be required for works taken up by the GCC using its own capital funds.

Works Committee chairperson N. Chitrarasu raised allegations of corruption involving consultants and officials. The Commissioner said that if any such activity was found, a case could be registered under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.