Ahmedabad: Poor roads, shaky bridges, badly laid drains? Independent surprise quality audits are in store for all development works that AMC is executing in the city.Teams supervised by chief engineers will inspect the quality of water, drainage, stormwater and allied works; roads, bridges, buildings, civil and infrastructure; streetlights and electrical systems among other works.Ahmedabad municipal commissioner on Wednesday issued a circular laying down guidelines in this regard. The checks are intended to ensure that all projects are high-quality and adhere to the prescribed departmental quality standards, technical specifications and approved designs.Every project’s quality assurance plan (QAP), technical specifications listed in its tender, applicable national and international quality standards, raw material sourcing and quality, necessary laboratory testing and approved drawings, field and material tests and workmanship will be monitored across all stages of execution, from groundbreaking to final inauguration.If any quality defects, deviations from specifications or substandard workmanship are detected, the matter must be reported immediately to the zonal or departmental officer concerned and corrective actions must be completed within seven days.If severe quality defects affecting structural safety, durability, functionality or public safety are observed, the official concerned must be notified immediately. In such cases, ongoing work must be halted until corrective measures are taken and formal approval is granted, the guidelines state, adding that these critical deficiencies must be rectified within a maximum timeframe of two days. A detailed quality report for every site inspection must be prepared and submitted to deputy municipal commissioner (quality control) within 15 days.A non-conformance report (NCR) register must also be maintained. In cases of repeated defective workmanship or persistent non-compliance, penal action will be initiated against the concerned contractor or project management consultant.The guidelines also state that a monthly quality control summary covering all inspections conducted during the month, identified defects, corrective measures taken and their current status must be compiled. This will be submitted to municipal commissioner for monthly review. Running and final bills will only be forwarded to finance department for payment after verifying that all quality inspection reports are satisfactory and all reported defects have been verified as rectified.
