Guidelines for PWD works revised, mandatory inspections to be carried out to ensure quality of construction materials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Public Works Department has revised the guidelines for carrying out mandatory inspections at regular intervals to ensure the quality of construction materials. This is to further improve the commitment and quality of work. The order was issued by the Chief Engineer of the Administration on the instructions of Minister PA Mohammad Riyaz on the basis that he was convinced that the recommendations in the Quality Control Manual were not being implemented properly.

It is recommended not to pay for materials if it is not of first-class quality and the Assistant Engineer was asked to not ready the bill without attaching the required quality inspection certificates. For works above Rs 2 crore, the materials should be tested first in a lab or approved lab set up by the contractor or department on site. Failure to comply with the instructions in the Quality Control Manual-2015 will result in departmental disciplinary action against those involved.

The Quality Control Division of the Public Works Department was set up in 2013 to ensure the quality of construction work. Although all districts have laboratories and adequate staff, the guidelines have been revised following shortcomings in quality control. The current manual includes instructions on whether the contractor should use quality lab-tested materials in the lab on their own and use them for construction. There is also a proposal to tighten these.

The government and the department are not prepared to make any compromise on the quality and commitment of the construction work. Strict action will be taken against the concerned officer and contractor if it the materials are found to be of poor quality.