VMC proposes third-party inspections for civic projects above ₹10 lakh

Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has proposed mandatory third-party inspections for development works costing more than ₹10 lakh to improve quality control and ensure that projects meet prescribed specifications and standards at various stages of execution.

A proposal seeking approval from the VMC General Board has been submitted, with a final decision expected at the meeting scheduled for Saturday. Under the proposal, the Municipal Commissioner would be authorised to engage Central or State government agencies to carry out inspections of civic works.

The VMC undertakes several types of infrastructure and civic works through private contractors, including water supply, drainage, stormwater drainage, road construction, paver blocks, RCC roads, civil construction and street lighting. Officials have noted concerns over substandard work in some projects, with inadequate supervision by engineers cited as one of the factors.

The proposed third-party inspection mechanism is aimed at ensuring compliance with prescribed specifications, quality standards and norms, including conditions attached to grants received under various government schemes.

Under the proposal, the Municipal Commissioner would also be authorised to invite fresh E-1.0 price quotations to add more agencies to the panel, continue engaging existing agencies until new agencies are appointed, modify tender conditions where necessary, and make provisions for the additional financial expenditure involved.

The proposal comes amid the civic body’s efforts to strengthen quality checks and oversight of development works undertaken across the city. DeshGujarat