Social worker highlights poor condition of Litan bridge, unfinished road stretch
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, June 19 2023:
Social worker K Manihar has pointed out the public's concern over the dilapidated condition of the Litan bridge and the unfinished 20 km road stretch from the foot of Sekmaijin bridge to Arong Khunou.
The social worker highlighted the shabby condition of the bridge built over the Manipur River and the unfinished road stretch during an inspection trip to the aforementioned sites under Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency of Kakching district accompanied by local residents and media persons today.
It is worth noting that Litan bridge connects two vital economic hubs of the region, namely, Arong Khunou Keithel and Phoubakchao Phouoibi Keithel.
Referring to the uncompleted road stretch, K Manihar shared that the construction of the road was taken up under PMGSY Phase 2 (package number 896) which was set to be completed by March 2022 .
However, not only has the construction remained unfinished, there is no quality maintenance on the construction carried out so far, he said.
When they approached the concerned sub-contractor in this regard, they received very pessimistic responses about various hurdles in procuring stones and land for the construction.
Questioning the validity and professionalism of this response, he further questioned the concerned Section Officer and Executive Engineer about where the enormous sum received as funding for the road construction had been used.
Addressing the deplorable condition of Litan bridge, K Manihar stated that the bridge was built by the-then Government of Manipur in 1972 .
Despite being one of the most important bridges receiving high footfall, the current state of the bridge is lamentable, he maintained.
Highlighting the prime location of the Litan bridge, K Manihar shared that there is a market and post office each on either side of the bridge.
Aside from these, notable private schools and Meitei temples are located in close vicinity of the bridge.
Thus he rued the absence of a Bailey bridge in such an important location.
He added that appeals had been made to the Government for the construction of a Bailey bridge here, however their appeals have gone unheeded.
K Manihar then appealed to the relevant authorities to construct an adequate and modern bridge in the area to meet the needs of the people.