Imphal, October 31: Even though 84 metric tonnes of bitumen had been withdrawn for black topping the 27 Kms long road stretch between Bishnupur and Nungba Bazar along the Old Cachar Road, not a single metre of the said road stretch has been black topped till today, said MLA Samuel Jendai.

Informing that 84 metric tonnes of bitumen were taken out in two phases under the names of two contractors, Jendai said that 66 metric tonnes of bitumen were taken out in 2002-04 without executing any works under the name of a PWD contractor and further said that another 18 metric tonnes of bitumen were again taken out shortly later under the name of another contractor this time again without doing any work.

It may be noted here that Nungba AC is the constituency of former PWD Minister Gaikhangam.

The MLA also informed that repairing works of the Tamei-Tousem road have also not been done till today despite a sum of Rs 40 lakhs being released for the repairing works and added that repairing of the Khongshang to Tameng-long road stretch have not been taken up inspite of 30 metric tonnes of bitumen being released for repairing the said road stretch.

The 30 metric tonnes of bitumen had been taken in the name of another special contractor, further said Jendai.

Lamenting that a sum of Rs 30 lakhs have been withdrawn from the State fund for repairing the Nungba to Longpi road while the actual work is being done with funds from the PMGSY, Jendai said that another Rs 84 lakhs have been withdrawn from the Non Plan Head in 2003 for reparing roads in Ukhrul Division but no works have been taken up till today.

Jendai also charged that corruption has taken firm roots with the blessings of the political leaders in collusion with contractors and officials concerned.

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