Bridge work delays spark agitation threat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 11 2014 : Demanding that construction of bridges over Leishang Heeden in Kyamgei Pal Ahanbi and Keirao Litan Makhong be completed within this month and threatening to launch intense agitation in case of failure to meet the deadline, Educational Development and Health Promotion Council (EDHPCO), Keirao Kendra insisted that inquiry report on the collapse of the latter structure be made public without further delay.

Speaking to newspersons at Manipur Press Club today, Council general secretary Dhamendra Heirom contended that non-completion of the bridge over Leishang Heeden is standing testimony of the Government of Manipur ignoring plight and suffering of the people of Keirao assembly constituency for over a decade.

Claiming that no development work has been implemented in the AC in the last 15 years, Dhamendra conveyed that construction work of Kyamgei Pal Ahanbi bridge was undertaken in 2010 and targeted for completion within May 2012 .

Keirao Bridge

Even as report has been received about withdrawal of work bill portion of the bridge collapsed in June 2012 subsequently resulting in abandonment of the said work, maintained the secretary and expressed strong resentment that inspite of the Minister concerned assuring agitated locals to reconstruct the damaged portion there is no sign of providing convenient means for crossing over the water body till date.

Moreover, the Minister's assurance to investigate collapse of the bridge and initiate punitive action against all found guilty seems to be merely a delaying tactics for months have lapsed without any action from the Govt, he said.

With regard to the 60-metre span Keirao Litan Makhong RCC bridge for which work order was reportedly issued in December 2011 and supposed to be completed within December 2013, the secretary reminded that technical flaw resulted in causing injury to four labourers due to crumbling of the structure during construction work on December 5, 2013 .

Even as four engineering staff of the PWD have been placed under suspension on alleged ground of duty negligence the assurance by the Works Minister to furnish detailed report on collapse of the bridge remains unfulfilled till date, Dhamendra said adding that the bridge construction was undertaken with Rs 6,25,19,000 funding under NLCPR.

Reiterating demand that the bridges be completed within this month along with disclosing the inquiry reports, the secretary cautioned that failure to honour the demand will compel the Council to launch intense agitation.