Construction works likely to be delayed further 5 years down the line and no light
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2011: In spite of the October 15, 2011 target, major pet projects of the SPF Government like Assembly Secretariat, High Court complex, Inter State Bus Terminus and City Convention Centre are most unlikely to meet the deadline due to shortage of construction material.

On account of the twin highway blockades being imposed by the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) and the United Naga Council (UNC) since the past month, agencies executing these projects are unable to procure necessary construction materials on time.

The SPF Government has been planning to invite Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to inaugurate these projects in November last week or December first week so as to present these projects as its achievements before the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.

Though the SPF Government has made arrangements to ship in essential commodities by providing security escorts to transporters along NH-37, necessary material for these projects could not be procured in time or in adequate quantity.

Sand which should be brought from Dimapur could not be procured due to the ongoing economic blockades on highways leading to Imphal.

On the other hand, Dimapur sand is no longer available at Imphal.

In the meantime, price of cement has shot up to Rs 500 to Rs 550 per bag at Imphal.

Even then, the same commodity is not available in sufficient quantity.

Likewise, price of steel has escalated to Rs 2000 per maund (40 Kgs) from pre-blockade price of Rs 1800 .

Construction of High Court complex started on May 9, 2006; Assembly Secretariat on January 10, 2006; City Convention Centre on March 9, 2009 and ISBT in the last part of 2009 .

Foundation stones for High Court complex of Capital Project, Assembly Secretariat and City Convention Centre were laid by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on November 20, 2004 .

Though the ISBT has been completed by around 85 per cent, roofing materials have been stranded at Guwahati thereby stalling the construction work.

A PWD official informed The Sangai Express that the work agencies have been facing serious difficulties in their efforts to complete these pet projects before the deadline set by the Government.

With material running short, the work agencies are unable to execute the construction works in full swing.

The Government is unable to supply the daily requirements of diesel which is around 500 to 600 litres per day.

Moreover, prices of construction materials have escalated besides facing curbs in transportation.

All these factors have been hampering the work agencies to meet the target set by the State Government, the official further maintained.

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