Imphal, October 30: Even as the controversy over alleged withdrawal of a large amount of fund meant for developmental works in Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts has not been resolved, State Public Works Department has been dragged into yet another controversy with regard to repairing works along the Wangkhei-Kongba road stretch.

According to a reliable source, the cheque for the amount of the work done has been issued already although the bitumen applied has come out at many places, telling tale tell signs of a work sloppily done.

The repairing of the road stretch starting from traffic island near Pureiromba market to Bamon Kampu point was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 59 lakhs under Central Road Fund (CRF).

But the thin layer of bitumen applied has come out at many places exposing concrete stones underneath.

An on the spot inquiry of the road stretch by the reporter also confirmed the allegation of concrete stones resurfacing along the road stretch, although the repairing of the road has been done only recently.

Besides, the unevenness of the repaired road is another point to be noted.

It is doubtful whether the thickness of the tar applied along the road stretch conformed to the norm laid down by the Government.

The pleasure of driving on a newly black-topped road is still a wishful dream for the people along this stretch.

Information received from the office of Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Imphal East the contract for repairing the road was given to SK Construction, Paona Bazar and the completion report of the work has been submitted to the Government.

As a matter of fact the total amount sanctioned for repairing of the road from traffic island near Pureiromba market to Ngariyan is Rs 183 lakhs.

The work is divided into five portions and is being carried out on sub-contract basis.

The amount kept aside for repairing of the 5.5 km road stretch from Pureiromba traffic island to Bamon Kampu turning is Rs 59 lakhs and 50 metric tonne of bitumen at an estimated cost Rs 18,000 tonne was reported to have been used.

Following submission of the work completion report, the Works Department has issued cheque amounting to Rs 7.5 lakhs to the contractor concerned, a departmental source said.

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