House heated up over Sewerage Project
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 26 2013:
A heated argument between Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and MLA Kh Joykishan was witnessed over the issue of Sewerage Project, which has been creating problems to the general public for quite some time, in the State Assembly today.
The issue came up during discussion for passing of demands for Transport and Works Department on the floor of the House today.
During the discussion which was participated by only three MLAs from the Ruling bench, altogether nine Opposition MLAs raised cut motion.
The nine Opposition MLAs included Dr I Ibohalbi, L Ibomcha, Th Shyamkumar, P Brojen, Dikho, Kh Joykishan and Samuel Risom.
MLA RK Anand, L Nandakumar and N Biren were the three ruling MLAs who took part in the discussion.
After all the MLAs had put forward their points and the Ministers concerned have given their replies, Opposition MLA Kh Joykishan stood up and demanded a reply from Works Minister over the issue of Sewerage Project while pointing out the after the black-topped roads were dug up for Sewerage Project, the roads have not been mended properly.
Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, while clarifying over the query, stated that around Rs 5 crores were earlier sanctioned to the Works Department for mending the black topped roads which have been dug up by PHE Department for Sewerage Project.
However, of late, no money has been sanctioned for the said purpose and since the Works Department also lacks funds, some problems have to be faced until the mending of the dug up roads.
Not satisfied with the reply of the Minister, MLA Joykishan further asked whether the dug up roads will remain as it is since the Works Department has no funds and demanded an assurance from the Works Department to take up repairing works of the dug up roads.
Minister Kh Ratankumar further informed the House that the matter will be discussed with the IFC Minister to which MLA Kh Joykishan stated that the discussion can be made in the House today itself since both the concerned Ministers are present.
If the Works Department does not give the assurance that it would take up the mending works of the dug up roads, the policy cut policy brought up will not be withdrawn.
The confrontation was cooled down after the intervention by the Speaker, who assured the House that the matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister.
The Works Minister further informed the House that a 25-year Road Plan for the State of Manipur has already been developed.
It is under this plan that construction of roads in the State is being taken up.
The widening of roads from Imphal to Churachandpur, from Imphal to Kangpokpi, from Imphal to Yaingakpokpi and from Imphal to Pallel will be done in such a way that around 30 metres will be the width of the road in residential areas while the width in the non-residential areas will be 45 metres.
He also informed that there will be 100% transparency in all the works taken up with no restricted tenders but open tenders in all cases.
Finally, the House unanimously passed an amount of Rs 6,54,41,00 and Rs 488,65,96,000 for Transport and PWD respectively.