Faced with frequent queries from corporators over the need to appoint consultants for minor civil works, the engineering department of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made it clear that consultant’s role was important against the backdrop of staff shortage at the civic body.
Addressing concerns raised by corporators during the general body meeting, city engineer Mohan Dagaonkar said, “We need a consultant to design, carry out layout work and other allied works.
Although we are academically qualified to do this, we cannot dedicate time for minor details due to shortage of staff and that is where the role of a consultant is important.”
The corporators have been targeting the engineering department at various civic meetings for appointing consultant for minor works. “The engineering department is appointing consultants even for small repair works in a crematorium. What is the need of having a consultant for designing a burning stand or for making a seating arrangement inside a crematorium?” asked Nationalist Congress Party corporator MK Madhvi.
Madhvi said, “We have capable engineers and they should be handling such small projects instead of appointing a consultant. I can understand if any major project is being taken up but small repair works do not require consultants.”
