Impasse on NH-2 repair work settled
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 05 2013:
The impasse over works execution along Khongnem stretch of NH-2 between the executing agency and Maram Students' Union (MKS) was settled amicably.
A statement issued by the Maram Students' Union informed that the student body had 'paused' the ongoing works along the stretch due to haphazard manner of work execution and lack of quality.
During its frequent inspections, the MKS team had found that works were carried out in the name of professional contractor while the actual works were executed and overlooked by labourers who do not have proper knowledge on the specifications, content and composition for the repairing works.
WMM (wet mix micabam), a prerequisite method of mixing materials prior to black-topping processes was not utilised, the MKS pointed out adding that without removing/peeling off remnants of ageing (old) black-topped portions, black-topping was carried out hastily and stone chips were seen wearing out within few days from the black-topped portions.
Maximum component of the entire works involves river sand (Balu) instead of recommended stone dust, stone aggregate, etc, it said while also pointing out that the poor drainage which has overgrown with the debris of past years' mud slides was left unattended.
Width of the road on both sides was extended hurriedly in a half-baked manner.
Taking serious view of the usage of sub-standards, uneven composition of materials and haphazard manner that would revert the highway to its earlier highly deplorable condition of quick wear and tear as the next rainy season sets in, the student body reminded the executing work agency that cosmetics repairing work will not be acceptable.
Upon acceptance to address the grievances and attend to it with utmost dedication, the executing agency should resume the works as per specifications and used standard materials to ensure the repairing works stretch is fit as a National Highway, it stated.
Further, the MKS has strongly felt that security of labourers and their machinery should be its utmost concern and has provided its helpline nos.This same stretch of Khongnem NH-2, was stalled last year by the Maram Students' Union due to negligence and lack of quality.