Chennai civic body's use of project consultants faces scrutiny at council meet

The role of project management consultants (PMCs) in overseeing infrastructure work for the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) came under sharp scrutiny at the council meeting on Friday. Councillors from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the quality of completed projects and questioned whether external consultants were necessary for works funded by the civic body itself.

DMK councillor C. Velu and Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar pointed out that several newly laid pavements in their wards had developed damage within six to seven months of completion. They alleged that PMCs were not adequately supervising the quality of these works, leading to premature deterioration.

Mayor R. Priya acknowledged that while the decision to engage PMCs was initially made with good intentions, its implementation had fallen short. She noted that in some projects, even diploma students were involved in quality checks, and suggested that the GCC's own engineering staff could carry out these inspections more effectively.

In response, GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran clarified that the engagement of PMCs was a mandatory condition for projects funded by international agencies such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and KfW. However, Deputy Mayor Magesh Kumaar argued that such consultants might not be required for projects financed entirely through the GCC's own capital funds.

The discussion took a more serious turn when Works Committee chairperson N. Chitrarasu raised allegations of corruption involving consultants and civic officials. The Commissioner responded by stating that if any such activity were found, a case could be registered under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.