Yet to be inaugurated bridge caved in
Enraged local residents halt work on Leishang Hiden project
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 14 2012: The bridge at Kiyamgei Pal Ahanbi, which was constructed as part of the multi-crores Leishang Hiden Project, caved in at around 2.30 pm today.

Contending that the bridge has been caved in as the authorities concerned did not listen to the complaint over lack of quality maintenance at the time of starting the construction work; infuriated local residents have imposed restriction on further construction work on Leishang Hiden Project.

The construction of the bridge had been completed in a rather hasty manner during 2010-11 .

Although the bridge is yet to be inaugurated, it was thrown open to public use out of necessity since the beginning of current year as it is one of the most important routes facilitating connectivity between Kiyamgei on the National Highway 39 (Imphal-Moreh) road with surrounding villages like Kiyemgei Muslim village, Bashikhong Panthoibi, Bashikhong Khonghampat, Kongba Irong, etc.

The portion of Kiyamgei Pal Ahanbi bridge which has been caved in

Apart from caving in over a distance of 6 feet towards the side of National Highway, the pillars of the bridge as well as other parts are in precarious condition.

Taking into consideration of this fact, local residents have closed the bridge with immediate effect.

Though the exact cause for caving in is yet to be ascertained, local residents have contended that there was no quality control at the time of constructing the bridge.

There are also opinions that the bridge may have caved in on account of digging up of earth in connection with construction of retaining wall of Leishang Hiden project.

After the news of the bridge caving in spread, representatives of eight different clubs and organizations of Kiyamgei area arrived at the spot for inspection and formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC).

Representatives of Kiyamgei Youth Club, United Progressive Adult Association, Youth Social Club (Kiyamgei), All Kiyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Khongthang Lup, Youth Progressive Club, etc, are among the members of the JAC.

Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao, President of Kiyamgei Youth Progressive Club (KYPC) Longjam Sanjoy, who plays a major role in formation of the JAC, informed that restriction has been imposed on all the construction works being taken up for Leishang Hiden Project with immediate effect.

He alleged that there is also no quality control in the current works being taken up for construction of retaining wall of the project, thus resulting in formation of cracks at many spots.

Just like the bridge which has been caved in today, it is very unlikely that quality may have been controlled in the construction of other three bridges as part of the larger project.

So, a committee would be formed soon to check them, Sanjoy informed.

Sanjoy demanded the government to construct a new bridge with proper quality control in place of the caved in one and made it clear that restriction on the construction works of Leishang Hiden Project would remain until the demand is met.

The local MLA Karam Thamarjit, who came to inspect the caved in bridge, told Hueiyen Lanpao that there were obvious signs of lack of quality control in the construction of the bridge.

However, instead of taking recourse of agitation, people of the constituency should approach the authorities concerned for construction of a proper bridge.

The MLA also assured every possible assistance from his side in this regard.

On receiving the news of the bridge being caved in, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Principal Secretary (Works) Ram Muivah also arrived at the spot for inspection and assured the infuriated local residents that the bridge would be constructed newly at the earliest possible.

As temporary arrangement to facilitate movement of the people, a wooden bridge would also be constructed.

The Minister further assured that a departmental inquiry would also be initiated to find out why the bridge has been caved in and necessary action would be taken up against the engineer or the contractors responsible for it.