Works Minister urges for early completion ; Delays continue to dog Sanjenthong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2015 :
Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar has categorically instructed Simplex Ltd to complete the construction work of Sanjenthong bridge as fast as possible.
Sanjenthong bridge whose estimated cost is over Rs 29 crore is expected to be an architectural marvel of Imphal city once the construction work is completed.
As per the agreement signed between the State Government and the work agency, the bridge construction should have been completed by June 6 .
On the other hand, it was none other than Chief Minister O Ibobi who assured the public that the bridge construction work would be completed before last year's Manipur Sangai Festival.
However, the construction work still drags on due to some technical factors.
Taking due consideration of bandhs and blockades, the deadline of June 6 which has already lapsed would be extended.
There is no penal provision for extending the completion date.
A high level meeting was held this afternoon with Works Minister Dr Ratankumar in the chair where Simplex Ltd officials were asked to complete construction of Sanjenthong bridge as fast as possible.
PWD officials and Additional Chief Secretary (Works) were also present at the meeting.
Sources informed that Sanjenthong bridge is being constructed using cutting-edge technology.
There are only two companies in the whole world which manufacture hangers being used in the construction of Sanjenthong bridge.
One is the UK based Mcally and the second is Freyssinet of France.
Hangers of hanging bridges manufactured by these two companies have been generally accepted as the best.
Against the estimated cost of over Rs 29 crore, Rs 20 core was released last year.
Till date only Rs 14 crore has been spent.
After deducting consultation charge and other charges, around Rs 11 crore has been given to the work agency.
The Government authorities have finalized necessary procedures to release more money in accordance with the work progress.
There is no pending bill entitled to the work agency, informed the sources.
A substantial portion of construction work of the bridge is still be completed.
Moreover, beautification and electrification works and construction of approach roads are yet to be initiated.
As such, it would be quite sometime before the new bridge can be commissioned.
It is being estimated that construction of the bridge to its complete stage would take around three months, added the sources.