Policy to solve public construction problems mooted

The Task Force for  Quality Assurance in Public Constructions has recommended that a comprehensive policy be evolved to implement constructions methods and solve technical problems related to civil engineering works in public constructions.

The Task Force which submitted its interim report to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Friday has recommended that the policy be evolved by a ‘Permanent Commission for Quality Improvement in Public Constructions”.

Speaking after submitting the interim report, Task Force member secretary I Ravindranath said that the panel has also suggested that the government set up a “Quality assurance secretariat” working directly under the chief minister for coordination among different departments involved in construction activities.

The panel also mooted the idea of setting up  a “Contractor licensing authority” to provide technical training to contractors. To upgrade the skill of the work force, the setting up of a “Karnataka Construction Academy” has been suggested to provide them with regular training programmes. Ravindranath said that the task force had developed a system that can monitor the progress of construction of a building using photographs taken by a stereo camera. 

Shettar appreciated the work done by the task force and said he would give clearance for use of “pothole patchers” machines developed by the Canada-based Python company to fill potholes on a pilot basis on three stretches of state highways and on some roads in three city corporations.

In all, the task force in its 104-page report has recommended 43 technical recommendations and 40 administrative reforms.