KSO Sadar Hills decries IT sloppy road construction
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, August 31 2014: Kuki Students' Organization Sadar Hills obstinately expressed their displeasure over the construction of Imphal-Tamenglong Road from Kangpokpi to Tamei under North East Council programme amounting to Rs.78 crore after the spot inspection conducted today.

Thangminlen Kipgen, President KSO Sadar Hills affirmed that the spot inspection of the construction work of IT Road, Kangpokpi to Tamei by a team of KSO Sadar Hills sighted disappointing progress considering the two years of continous construction.

However, several portions along the road were found to be done as per specifications with the exception of a stretch between Chawangkining village and Thonglang Akutpa village which is still in its previous condition, added the student body chief.

He also pointed out that various portions of the thinly black topped road have chipped off even before road construction is completed while adding that improper drainage also account for the early destruction of the road.

Thangminlen Kipgen alleged that the sluggish velocity of the road construction is mainly due to the apathetic attitude of the concern division EE Prem Kumar and not of the contractor and demanded replacement of the present EE with a new one who is more progress oriented to complete the work on the stipulated time.

Interestingly, the contractors concerned reiterated that they were more than ready to complete the road construction within the given time frame while alleging the Government of Manipur and the Division EE in delaying the payment of fund which had already been released by the NEC in the month of May.

Ironically, it also came to light that about Rs 15 crore kept aside as saving for maintenance of the stretch of road has being embezzled by the Minister concerned and division EE in the form of allotting unrelated work orders, alleged the KSO Sadar Hills president.

Thangminlen Kipgen further asserted that the importance of IT Road has also taken a centre stage for all the Thadou-Kuki Christians as 100 years of Christianity is due to celebrate in December and added that many national and international missionaries are invited to attend the solemn function.

He also warned of striking various agitations if the implementing agencies as well as the authority concerned fail to construct the road according to the guidelines provided by NEC.

Comment