Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Mar 14:
Maku Village Authority expressed discontentment over the inaction of the Rural Engineering Department/Manipur State Rural Development Agency (MSRRDA) and the State Government in connection with Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana work in Maku village.
Addressing a press conference held at Sentinel College campus Phungreitang, Ukhrul on Wednesday Qr Aleng Shaiza, Chairman of the Village Development Committee (VDC) sought the Government’s attention to initiate actions against the executing agency or contractors for failing to comply with the PMGSY guidelines in respect of Maku village which has remain neglected for the last six years.
He informed that, ‘The work order for execution of the project – PMGSY Road Package from TO2/BRTF Road to Maku was awarded to M/s HVS Construction Materials Pvt. Limited with a tender amount of Rs.334.69 lakhs for a stretch of 800 km, and 46.02 lakh for 5 years maintenance.
And as per details provided in the work order, the package was to be completed within a time frame of 18 Months (27/10/2018 to 26/04/2020)’ .
The VDC Chairman further stated that the package contained construction of six retaining walls; 10 breast walls and 80 m pucca drain and alleged that none of the listed work specification has been fulfilled till date.
He maintained that ‘M/s HVS Construction Materials Pvt. Limited began the work during the later part of 2020 only after many complaints, but left the work site without completion on the pretext of machinery maintenance and other requirements’ .
According to Shaiza, the contractor resumed shingling work in 2022, only to abruptly leave in December of the same year, leaving the shingling work in total shambles.
Considering the plight of the hill people, the VDC Chairman sought the attention of the Department concerned and the State Government to take up necessary actions against the erring contractor for failing to comply with the guidelines of PMGSY and urged to take up necessary steps to ensure commencement of the road construction strictly as per the approved specific norms. He further cautioned that the Village Authority would be compelled to take up further course of actions if the said work is not resumed within 15 days.
The press conference was attended by Maku Village Mantri, Maku Village Authority Councils, VDC vice-presidents and secretary among others.
