Authorities' neglect irks committee
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 27 2020:
Peace and Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) Khundrakpam, has cautioned that it will intensify its proposed bandh on February 1, if the authorities concerned fail to take up necessary measures for the construction of the Yumnam Patlou bridge, along Imphal-Saikul road.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, PDCC Khundrakpam member Th Hemjit said that the people and the committee have been pressuring the Government and the authorities concerned to develop the obsolete bridge since 2016 but to no avail.
Even though the work order for repairing and upgrading the bridge was issued, not actions have been taken up till date, despite some half hearted attempts at mere extension of the bridge, he claimed further alleging that the PWD and the Works Minister both turned deaf ears to the appeals of the people and the committee.
After the news eventually reached every higher ups, officials from the Department concerned, contractors and PDCC went on an inspection trip to the work area on January 19 and after conducting necessary survey/tests, the EE of Imphal West recommended for a joint meeting after finishing the necessary procedures.
However, without any meeting, on January 22, the contractor began pouring the slabs of the bridge, he claimed adding that it was found that the EE himself had approved of the work.
Demanding the State Government to take up necessary actions against the erring officials and to complete the bridge work at the earliest, he warned that failure to do so will result in PDCC intensifying its bandh called on February 1 .