Specified LED lamps replaced with substandard items
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 14 2017:
Complaints have arisen against the alleged use of substandard items during the installation of solar lighting system taken up at various areas of Kamjong district under the Border Area Development Programme (B ADP) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to a source, a BADP project for installing 73 solar street lamps at Chatrik Khullen, Kangpat Khullen, Phaimol, Skipe, Molvailup and Kultuk villages was undertaken during 2015-16 .
However, the items used in the installation of the said lamps were found to be of inferior and substandard quality as opposed to the items mentioned in the work order.
13 solar lamps for a total costs of Rs 5,22,000 were supposed to be installed at Chatrik Khullen while 12 lamps amounting to a total costs of Rs 5 lakh were supposed to be installed at Kangpat Khullen, Phaimol, Skipe, Movailup and Kultuk each.
The source pointed out that the total costs of the project amounted to Rs 30.22 lakh.
According to the work order, each lamp should consist of two 15 watts LED lights, 120 watt solar voltaic module or panel, 75 Amp tubular lead storage battery (TATA solar, Susolarteh, Havells, Reliance Solar and Microsum) and a 54 mm diametre steel pole.
However, when the lamp.
posts were installed, they consisted of 9 watt LED lights, 50 watt Sukam SPV panel, 45 Amp Amzee lead storage battery and a 2inch diameter steel pole.
The source farther claimed that the LED lights did not have any brand name nor' warranty and pointed out, that the project was handled by a contractor from KR Lane, Imphal.
It further stated that as the implementing agency is the Assam Rifles, AS Vaomi, chief of Kharasom has submitted a complaint to the 31 St AR against the alleged con tractor.