In a significant move to ensure quality infrastructure, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has taken strict action against a contractor for sub-standard road construction. For the first time, the civic body has ordered the contractor to reconstruct a damaged 315-metre stretch of Gollapalli Street at his own expense, giving him a tight deadline of a fortnight.
Road Fails Quality Inspection
The road in question was built as recently as March last year. To ensure accountability and track construction quality, BeMC officials conducted a thorough inspection. City Engineer Manoj Patra stated that the inspection revealed significant variations in the road's thickness at different points, indicating poor workmanship.
Further scientific analysis confirmed the initial findings. Executive Engineer Sanjukta Rai Patra explained that laboratory tests on core samples from the road found serious defects. The mix of bitumen and stone chips of different sizes, crucial for durable road construction, was found to be sub-standard and not up to the required specifications.
Strict Action Under Defect Liability
Following the damning test report, the BeMC first issued a show-cause notice to the contractor. The civic body invoked the defect liability period (DLP) clause, which holds contractors responsible for repairs and rectifications within a specified timeframe after project completion. When the contractor failed to adequately address the issues, the corporation escalated its response.
BeMC Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshir, speaking on Thursday, detailed the new proactive approach. He revealed that the civic body has launched a core testing program for newly built roads to scientifically verify construction quality. "In the first phase, we tested four roads that had been built in the last one year," he said. The laboratory test for one of these roads conclusively proved its sub-standard construction, leading to the reconstruction order.
A New Precedent for Quality Control
Commissioner Rajeshir added that the corporation is awaiting laboratory reports for the other three roads tested in this initial phase. This crackdown sets a powerful precedent. The BeMC has now made a formal decision to conduct mandatory core tests on every new road built under its jurisdiction.
The commissioner issued a clear warning to all contractors, stating that strict action will be taken against any party found delivering sub-standard work. This move marks a shift towards evidence-based accountability in public works, aiming to curb the widespread issue of poorly constructed roads that deteriorate quickly, wasting public funds and causing public inconvenience.
