The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Probe finds drainage work substandard

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 14, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Probe finds drainage work substandard

By K. S. Sudhi

KOCHI, OCT. 13. An investigation into the alleged irregularities in the casting of concrete slabs over the drains in the Corporation area has revealed `substandard quality of work' and several discrepancies in the execution of projects.

The investigation was conducted by the Chief Technical Examiner and ex-officio Additional Government secretary, N. T. Raveendran, following a direction from the Ombudsman for Local Bodies, K. P. Radhakrishna Menon.

Spot inspection

It was on a complaint from a resident of the area that the Ombudsman ordered a spot inspection to ascertain the details of the actual revenue loss the Corporation had suffered in the work for casting concrete slabs over the drain from the First Kadavantra Cross Road to Giri Nagar.

On receiving the report, Mr. Menon asked the Corporation secretary to furnish the details of the officials who were in charge of the work, at the sitting of the Forum scheduled for tomorrow.

The analysis of the slabs revealed that only 58.06 per cent of the stipulated requirement of cement was actually used for casting pre-cast slabs. The usage of cement on concrete and plaster samples collected from the sidewalls of the drain in the area were found to be short by 48.21 per cent and 65.14 per cent respectively and the drain work was found to be substandard, the report said.

Poor supervision

The inspection of six other similar works carried out in the Corporation revealed that the works lacked proper supervisions and false recordings of measurements were made. Manipulations and corrections in files and connected records were found which were made to cover-up the irregularities committed in the implementation of the work. The inspection of the subject work as well as some other works revealed that there have been serious irregularities in the execution of the work such as lapses in quality aspects, recording of bogus/excess quantity for payment, lack of technical supervision, improper planning in providing sufficient gradients and width to the drains, the report said.

In one case, it was noted that for a work for which payments were made in 2003 as per records, the concrete slabs were found cast only on April 2004. This indicated that bogus payments were made for works, which were not executed.

The investigation revealed that the Corporation suffered a financial loss of Rs. 1,41,346 for the laying of slabs in the project.

According to the Chief Technical Examiner, it was imperative that the Corporation came out with all the records and details of such work done under the scheme and establish actual work done and revenue loss it suffered by way of excess payment or duplication of work.

Notice issued

On a complaint filed by the Regional Manager of The Hindu , Kochi, that a commercial establishment levelled the public drains near the Vyttila office of the newspaper causing inundation in the area, the Ombudsman has decided to issue notice to the National Highway authorities. The directive was issued after the Ombudsman visited the area today. The Kochi Corporation secretary, C. E. Basheer, who was present along with other officials of the Corporation informed the Ombudsman that the drain was constructed and maintained by the NH authorities.

In yet another case, the Ombudsman has asked the Kochi Corporation to consider a proposal for setting up comfort stations at MG road.

The Ombudsman today disposed of 12 cases in its sitting held today. The Forum will hold its sitting tomorrow also.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala

News Update

Stories in this Section

Probe finds drainage work substandard

Panel orders reconstitution of LAEC

GCDA to retire its loans in two months

ICTT: Minister to visit site

Resentment over official's order

Around the City

In Kochi Today

Kalady centre emerges champions