Imphal, August 19: Ringing out a strong warning against any sign of negligence in taking up developmental works, specially in far flung areas of the State, Works Minister K Ranjit has categorically stated that the engineers and the contractors should not live under the impression that no one would come to inspect and they can compromise on the quality of the work being executed.

After inspecting the road construction work being taken up from Singhat to Likhai in Churachandpur district yesterday, the Minister told the engineers and the contractors concerned to do away with the habit of scattering a few stone chips and then applying bitumen thinking that no one is going to come to inspect the quality of the work.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over the manner of executing the road work, the Minister pointed out that the first layer of stone chips along the road in Likhai area have not been laid properly.

Demanding a progress report of the road construction work as soon as the task of laying stone chips for the second layer begins, the Minister made it clear that he would be coming personally to inspect execution of the work regardless of the long distance and transportation problem.

Developmental works like construction of the roads and bridges are being carried out for the welfare of the people, so the quality of the work should be maintained at any cost to enable the people to reap its full benefit, the Minister said, adding that befitting action would be taken up against the engineers and the contractors concerned if they were found neglecting their duties.

After completion of the road construction work from Singhat to Likhai in Singhat subdivision of Churachandpur which is currently underway at an estimated cost of Rs 2.50 crores, the Minister assured that from next year road construction work from Likhai to Behiyang would be included in the work programme of the Government.

It is just 2 kms away from Behiyang to reach Myanmar.

The Minister also took serious note of the difficulties being faced by the people while travelling along the deplorable roads of the remote region on DI Tatas and trucks.

On his return journey from Singhat, the Minister interacted with the people of Churachandpur town and mediapersons and assured that every possible efforts would be taken up from his side to improve the condition of road communication in the district.

He also appealed to the people to report to him if they feel that the quality of the work is not maintained properly so that necessary action could be initiated in time.

The Minister also talked at great length on the developmental works to be taken up in Churachandpur in the 12th Finance Commission as well as under the funding of ACA/SPA, NLCPR and NEC.

Later on, the Works Minister inspected the progress of the Mini Secretariat which is under construction in Churachandpur at an estimated cost of Rs 36 crores and the sites for the proposed setting up of two guest houses at two places of the district including the district headquarters.

While the Ministerial team was taking a brief halt at Bishnupur on its return journey, MLA Govindas Konthoujam communicated in connection with labourers applying bitumen for repairing of a road stretch near the police station while it was still raining.

Consequently, the Minister reacted swiftly and gave instruction to the engineers concerned for stopping the work at once.

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