One cr for bridge siphoned off? Roads, bridges in Saikul A/C inspected
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 10, 2012:
The Committee on Estimates of Manipur Legislative Assembly today inspected the existing condition of roads and bridges under Saikul A/C. During the inspection, the Committee came across a bridge under construction over Ethai River at Molkon village, although the Department concerned has not issued the work order.
Interestingly, the fund sanctioned from SPA for construction of the bridge too was found to have been withdrawn.
The inspection team comprised MLA Dr Ng Bijoy, Chairman of Committee on Estimates, Manipur legislative Assembly; MLA Yamthong Haokip; MLA Karam Shyam, MLA RK Imo; MLA Nunglung Victor; MLA Fazur Rahim, Chief Engineer, PWD, M Lokendro and other officials.
The inspection visit found the road from Liklikhong to Molcon in its worst condition.
Villagers of the area informed the visiting team that the road was not in a motorable condition earlier.
It was only after the villagers removed the upper muddy layer and pebbles were scattered over the surface that vehicles could ply on the road.
The villagers also expressed discontentment over non-construction of four market sheds and two toilet complexes at Molkon bazaar, to which the visiting team assured that the said works would be executed at the earliest possible.
The Committee also inspected construction work of an RCC bridge over the river Ethai.
This bridge connects Molkon with Luhntin village, Sanakeithel, Ukhrul and various others places.
M Chaoba, contractor who has been assigned with the task, informed the visiting team that the bridge is being constructed without a work order from PWD.
However, an understanding has been brought between the PWD and the State government and an order for transacting an amount of Rs 1 crore was approved by the department concerned.
Till date, Rs 90 lakhs have been sanctioned.
Taking advantage of the visit of Committee on Estimates of Manipur legislative Assembly, M Chaoba exerted pressure on Chief Engineer M Lokendro and MLA Dr Ng Bijoy to issue the requisite work order at the earliest.
If the work order of the bridge construction is provided, the construction process can be completed in two years' time, the contractor maintained.
After the inspection tour, a public meeting was also held at Saikul Headquarter.
On the occasion, the members of the Committee on Estimates were honoured with presentation of traditional shawls by Kuki Inpi.
The organization also submitted a memorandum to the Committee.
The memorandum highlighted poor infrastructural set up of the existing PHC in Saikul and lack of doctors and demanded that it be upgraded into CHC.
The memorandum also demanded blacktopping of the road from Liklikhong to Saikul and also to construct a water supply in the area.
Dr Ng Bijoy informed the villagers that there is no provision of blacktopping the said road but will certainly approach the department concerned and the Chief Minister to do the needful.
He also assured the people of the village that necessary process would be initiated to upgrade the PHC into CHC and look into the demand for construction of a water supply scheme in the area.
MLA Yamthong Haokip, who was also present on the occasion, expressed regret over not taking up any development programmes in Saikul A/C.
Comment
