PWD flags alteration of project specs by unauthorised officials & dignitaries

KOHIMA, AUGUST 1 (MExN): The Department of Works & Housing issued a directive, on August 1, aimed at preventing unauthorized changes in the scope of civil works projects, the DIPR informed. The directive came in the backdrop of what was inferred to be “Department officials/senior dignitaries” arbitrarily altering the scope of project specifications without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority. 

It said that such arbitrary actions was in contravention of a standing instruction from the Planning and Coordination Department, requiring all departments to obtain technical approval, administrative approval, and planning clearance before the implementation of any project executed by the Public Works Department (PWD). 

The Planning & Coordination Department has established empowered committees, based on the scale of work, assigned with the task of scrutinizing and approving civil work. 

For projects below Rs 3 cr, the responsibility rests with the “Chief Engineer Concerned,” for projects between Rs 3 to 5 cr, the responsibility rests with the HLTC & SPRMCC and for projects of Rs 5 cr and above, it rests with the SLPIMC.

These authorities are responsible for freezing the scope of work during the approval stage, before tenders are issued and contracts are awarded. “However, many departments have the tendency to change the scope of the work (Bill of Quantities) during the implementation of the projects without obtaining the approval of the competent authorities,” it said. 

The unethical practice, it said, has led to adverse consequences, including escalated project costs, delays and compromised work ethics and careers of site engineers.

To maintain adherence to project guidelines, all Departments have been advised to exercise necessary checks “to capture the required scope of works at the beginning of the projects” and avoid changing the scope during or at the end of the projects. 

It said, “If at any stage, there is merit in a change in the scope of work, approval from the competent authority should compulsorily be obtained before directions are issued at the site.”