Contractors told to prioritise quality, expedite work
Kamjong not playground for contractors to amass wealth: MLA Leishiyo
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, April 11 2025: Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing inspected ongoing infrastructure development projects in Kamjong district headquarters on April 9 which included sites such as the Sadbhavana Mandap (women's market), the newly-upgraded District Hospital, a working women hostel and a 50-bedded hospital.

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the inspection,' MLA Leishiyo Keishing expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality and pace of the projects, which have been dragging on for years, and advised concerned contractors and agencies to prioritise quality and expedite their work over profit.

Kamjong not playground for contractors to amass wealth: MLA Leishiyo

"None of the ongoing projects were found to be satisfactory," he stated, warning that stringent actions would be taken against any contractors compromising on quality and misusing development funds.

"Kamjong is not a playground for contractors to aggrandise wealth," he contended, emphasising the need for accountability.

Leishiyo noted the slow progress of the Sadbhavana Mandap, which began construction in 2021 but has yet to be completed.

"Ironically, despite the contractor's failure to meet deadlines, the Public Works Department (PWD) has awarded the same contractor a new tender for rigid pavement work at a bidding rate below 32 per.

cent," he noted.

"This is a grave concern, " the MLA remarked, indicating that such practices could hinder the district's development.

Regarding the Sadbhavana Mandap, he explained that the tender for the work was awarded based on a DPR at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.

However, after five years, little progress has been made, he rued.

Accompanying the MLA, Bungpa village headman Hoping Chithung voiced concerns regarding several development projects initiated in the district headquarters, none of which halve been commissioned till date.

"Some contractors started various projects without even consulting local authorities.

We chose not to interfere in the interest of development, but the execution has been subpar," Chithung lamented, urging the authorities concerned to take action against poor implementation.

Further inspections revealed alarming issues at the District Hospital, where a general ward lacked necessary ceilings and also showed a crack line in the wall plaster.

Moreover, at the 50-bedded hospital, the MLA found the work quality to be poor and instructed workers to remove the crumbling walls and substandard flooring.

He also closely examined the materials, including bricks and sand, and advised the workers to enhance the quality of the materials used.

The MLA also assessed a road project, critiquing its poor quality, noting that the road was so narrow that "only a dog could lie across it".

The construction of hostels for working women was found in similarly poor condition, even before completion, he said.

During the inspection at the district hospital, the MLA spoke with doctors and nurses to inquire about the available facilities and reviewed the patient visit registry.

He urged the medical staff to maintain accurate records and to inform the authorities of any needs.

He also visited inpatients at the hospital and provided a sum of money to assist with their medicine expenses.