Sambu Area headmen decry poor PMGSY road
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, July 14 2018:
The Sambu Area Village chiefs of Ukhrul district have urged State Government to award befitting action on the PMGSY contractors who have not adhered to the PMGSY guidelines while constructing the village road.
Addressing the media at Sambu Raiping Long (office) at Viewland, Ukhrul today, president of Sambu Area Villages SRL Nathan said that despite repeated approach to the contractors and the department concerned to construct the PMGSY road from Shirui village to Kachouphung village as an weather road and as per the guidelines of PMGSY, the contractors in connivance with some officials have flouted the guidelines and have been withdrawing the maintenance fund every year without doing anything.
The road is not at all maintained but the maintenance fund has been routinely withdrawn, said the village chief and added that during dry season, the contractors exhibit their heavy machineries to befool the public and during the rainy season, no work would be taken up at all.
VA member of Mapum village P Mayopam said that the PMGSY road from Shirui to Mapum and beyond to Chammu village has been totally cut off due to landslides at two major points while major portions of the road are in dilapidated condition as the water flows over them in the absence of drainage system.
He further mentioned that the sub standard culverts could not withstand the force of water running down from the upper slope and have all been damaged.
As there is retaining wall, monsoon rain has washed away portions of the road reducing its size considerably.
The PMGSY road connecting Shirui village and Sambu areas is a vital link for at least 13 villages.
Due to massive landslides between Shirui and Mapum village, essential commodities cannot be transported.
Mayopam said that the monthly ration to be transported to Mapum Govt High School has been stopped for long and this will continue so long the road from Shirui to Mapum is not restored immediately.
Headman of Ronshak village Paul Angkhang expressed strong resentment against the indifferent attitude of the State Government to the lifeline of the area.
He said that the nearest route to connect Sahamphung block headquarters with Ukhrul district headquarters is the PMGSY road from Shirui via Mapum and Zingsui to Hamlang village.
Headman of Sahamphung Kaphaoleng stated that among the sub-division of Ukhrul district, Sambu area is the most backward with no proper health care facilities while education and transport system are in pathetic state.
He said that last month a lady from Mapum village died midway, as she could not be taken to Ukhrul district hospital in time.
The constructed PMGSY road has not served any purpose to them, he lamented.
Sambu Raiping Long appealed the State Government for immediate restoration of the PMGSY road and urged to initiate necessary action against the contractors and officers in the wider interest of the people and to ensure work quality.