MLA warns legal action over sub-par road work
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 17 2025: Khundrakpam MLA Th Lokeshwar on Thursday warned that he would seek legal recourse if the Public Works Department (PWD) fails to conduct a field assessment of the Sawombung to Sagolmang road, locally known as Keibi road, which has developed cracks and dotted with potholes within six months of blacktopping.

Speaking to reporters during an inspection of the damaged sections, Lokeshwar expressed serious concern over the condition of the road in Khundrakpam assembly constituency, noting that the Keibi road project Was implemented under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDE) at a sanctioned cost of Rs 22.25 crore.

According to the MLA, blacktopping was completed on most portions of the road, with a few'stretches left due to inclement weather.

However, stretches of the road are dotted with potholes, raising questions about the quality of the work, executed by M/s Kim and Sons Constructions and Equipment, a work agency run by a special class contractor.

Lokeshwar alleged that profit-driven execution and irregularities since the earthwork phase compromised the road quality.

The MLA said that he had urged engineers concerned to monitor the work, citing poor workmanship, but no effective action was taken.

He further claimed that residents of Huidrom village had also raised concerns about the quality and requested the agency to follow the specifications in the work order.

In retaliation, the road portion passing through Huidrom was initially left out of the blacktopping, he alleged.

Calling the incident a "robbery of public funds", Lokeshwar demanded the PWD chief engineer and expert committee to inspect the road and take strict action against those responsible, including the contractors and engineers, while reiterating that he will pursue legal action if the department fails to act promptly.

During the visit, the MLA and his team also conducted an independent quality check, comparing the construction with the specifications outlined in the work order.

Huidrom Village Development Committee president Huidrom Rajen said that villagers welcomed the road project and even served refreshments to the workers.

However, when they asked for adherence to quality standards, they were wrongly accused of obstructing the Work, leading to the exclusion of their area.

Although the matter was eventually resolved and the road was laid, potholes developed within months.

Rajen urged the department to intervene, warning that the villagers will not remain silent if the issue is ignored.

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