Local contractors jobless as outside firms bag projects
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 19 2024: With most of the national highway works awarded to non-state firms like the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), local contractors have been facing the brunt of government apathy.

Addressing media persons in this regard at Manipur Press Club, here, on Friday, All Manipur Hills and Plains Contractor Association vice president N Kumar Meitei expressed concern that with exception of contractors close to ministers and MLAs, local contractors are being ignored in allocation of road and bridge construction projects.

He also pointed out that NHIDCL has been handling all national highway projects in Manipur sector for the past three to four years ever since the BJP came to power in the state, consequently depriving source of livelihood for local contractors.

Earlier, local contractors had opportunities under H Vikramjit, the managing director of HVS Constructions Materials, as they were assigned and executed with high quality road construction and repair projects from Keishampat to Malom Oil Depot, further extended to Nachou and Churachandpur.

N Kumar emphasised that with proper support and opportunities, local contractors can match the standards of firms from outside the state.

Therefore, he urged ministers and local MLAs to support local contractors to ensure their participation in such projects.

While alleging sub-par work by NHIDCL on national highways, he pointed out that many trucks are stranded due to roads constructed sans quality control.

Despite these problems, the responsible authorities remain silent and show no concern.

In contrast, he highlighted the high-quality work completed by local contractors, such as the construction of Khuman Lampak stadium, which was entirely managed by local contractors under strict supervision of engineers.

Additionally, he pointed out that construction work for the Sports University, which is being handled by external firms, remains incomplete to this day.

N Kumar Meitei also mentioned that NHIDCL has been assigned a total of 8 projects in Manipur, including the Imphal-Jiribam road, which was scheduled for completion in 2013 but remains pending till date.

Comment