Imphal, February 08 2009: The state Works Minister K Ranjit has cautioned that those contractors who failed to accomplish the construction of a road stretching from Singhat to Behiang in Churachandpur district and who failed to black-top the road by March 31 would be blacklisted. He was speaking as the chief guest during the inauguration function of Ngasuan Bridge yesterday in Churachandpur district.

It may be recalled that on January 17, 2008, at least 20 persons had lost their lives when the Ngasuan Bridge along the Singhat-Behiang road collapsed. Speaking on the inaugural occasion, Ranjit said that the contractors must not think of drawing money without implementing the works.

The contractors not finishing their works of constructing the Behiang-Singhat road in a 10-phased work programme have been named as Chingzakhup, Y Sunil, T Ibohal, L Kipgen, KS Baite and Joykishan.

The time for the completion of the works charge which has been given to the mentioned contractors expired on December 2008, said the Minister. He said further that given the importance of the Singhat-Behiang road which can be connected to neighbouring Myanmar, there is a process to declare it as a national highway.

The width of this road was 12.6 foot earlier, but now there is a work progress of expansion of the road to 34 foot under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA).

He said that now the works programme of this road included its expansion, constructions of drainage, culvert, etc.

He also ensured that sand graining would be completed before the coming monsoon.

He further added that since drawing WBM and black topping cannot be done immediately, the construction may take around two years for its completion.

Saying that Rome was not built in a day, the Minister argued that the people must also be tolerant while waiting for the completion of construction works. Recalling the condition of the road before he took charge as Works minister, Ranjit said that it was pathetic.

He maintained that the construction work of the road has been taken up by Ibobi-led government which is working for the welfare of the people irrespective of being in the hill or the valley.

The Minister also praised the contractors who have completed the construction work of the Bridge in the interest of the people that was inaugurated yesterday. President of the function, T Hangkhanpao, the sitting MLA of Singhat praised the Ibobi-led government which takes keen interest to uplift the marginalized section of the people in hill areas.

He also said that it is very fortunate for the hill people to have the Works Minister K Ranjit who always wants to live in close association with them despite his belonging to the valley.

The occasion was also graced by GS Haopu Zou, Special contractor as the guest of honour. Floral tribute was also paid to the 20 souls who have lost their lives in an accident that occurred at the Bridge last year apart from praying for their souls to rest in peace. The works minister had also inspected the construction of Singhat-Behiang road yesterday after inaugurating the Bridge.

After inspecting the road, the minister had also visited the international border with Myanmar.

During his tour, the minister also enjoyed the warm welcome of villagers while he in turn shows concerned to the villagers by offering openhanded financial assistance to them.

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