MLA Loken alleges misuse of road spruce-up funds
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 02 2024: Wangoi MLA Kh Loken raised concerns over alleged misuse of funds allocated for National Highway 137-A, commonly known as Mayai Lambi or Imphal-Mayang Imphal Road during the question hour in Friday's sitting of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The MLA highlighted that-over Rs 5 crore had been withdrawn for the highway's upkeep, yet the road remains in deplorable condition, riddled.with potholes.

The MLA also brought up several issues related to the highway and expressed frustration over the poor state of the road despite allocation of adequate funds.

Loken stated that as a daily commuter on the highway, he feels the mounting public pressure and is embarrassed by the situation as an elected representative.

Pitiable condition of the road has also caught the attention from various organisations, with reports of a bandh being called to denounce government apathy, he added.

In response, chief minister N Biren stated on behalf of the absent works minister Govindas Konthoujam that Rs 3,51,62,000 and an additional Rs 1,66,73,000 were released by the Centre during the 2022-23 fiscal for the highway.

The CM also provided a list of agencies awarded contract works for the project.

Not satisfied with the response, MLA Loken pointed out that despite withdrawal of funds condition of the road remains pathetic along with opining that mending of some potholes in recent days was ostensibly to dilute raising the same issue in the assembly.

Loken also raised concerns over multiple work orders issued for same sections of the road, calling for further clarification.

The MLA also questioned the rationality of withdrawing Rs 50 lakh for clearing the road side from Phuramakhong to Kakchjng, suggesting that certain individuals might be using the highway as a tool for swindling public funds.

In response to these concerns, CM Biren acknowledged the importance of Mayai Lambi as a vital highway and informed the House that efforts were underway to upgrade the road to a four-lane highway, with approval already secured from the Centre.

He pledged to investigate the matter and ensure that contractors are held accountable for their work.

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