Kochi projects come under lens

Kochi: Close on the heels of reports of lapses in the construction of Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC), the work on the super specialty block of Ernakulam Government Medical College too has come under a cloud.

The implementing agency for both projects, INKEL Limited, has acknowledged issues in both constructions but said that Chennai-based PST Engineering Constructions, which is undertaking the block work, was doing a much better job.

“We are assessing the quality of work at every stage in the cases of CCRC and super specialty block and the shortcomings in the case of the block are not very serious. However, we have intervened and are sorting them out,” said an INKEL official. “Such interventions take place in the case of every construction to ensure quality.  INKEL is keen that the projects are implemented as per norms so that there does not arise any complaint after the completion of the projects.”

He said that 25 per cent of the work on the block has been completed within 10 months of its commencement.  

“The work is delayed by one-and-a-half months, but we are confident that the company can make up the delay soon. The delay is on account of rain and quarry problems and shortage of other materials,” the official said.

Medical college principal Dr V.K. Sreekala also expressed satisfaction over the work and its pace. “The chief minister, finance minister and KIIFB top officials review the work every three months and I have also visited the site,” she said.

The new block of EMC in 8.3 lakh sq ft is spread across 8 floors. It will have 683 beds and 14 operation theatres. KIIFB had sanctioned the construction of the new hospital block for Rs. 285.31 crore and civil works were tendered in May 2018 for Rs. 150.74 crore. PST Engineering Construction emerged as the lowest bidder with a quote of 14 percent below the estimate at Rs. 129.63 crore.