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

At a recent council meeting, the involvement of project management consultants (PMCs) in overseeing Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) infrastructure projects faced scrutiny. Critics, including DMK councillor C. Velu and Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar, raised concerns over the poor quality of works and alleged that PMCs were inadequately inspecting the infrastructure.

Mayor R. Priya added that while the involvement of PMCs was initially well-intentioned, the implementation fell short. In some cases, even diploma students were involved in quality checks, leading to suggestions that GCC's engineering personnel could take on such responsibilities instead. GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran clarified that the requirement for PMCs was mandated by funding conditions set by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and KfW for projects funded through these institutions.

Deputy Mayor Magesh Kumar further noted that PMCs might not be necessary when GCC undertakes projects using its own capital. Works Committee chairperson N. Chitrarasu raised allegations of corruption involving consultants and officials, with the Commissioner stating that any such activity could result in a case being registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.