Serious concerns persist over the repair and maintenance of National Highway 151 from AOC point in Karimganj to Sutarkandi Port, as locals express frustration with the ongoing substandard infrastructure. District Congress President Rajat Chakraborty has demanded Chief Minister’s intervention, advocating for the blacklisting of contractors responsible for the poor workmanship. Chakraborty accuses corrupt contractors, certain departmental authorities, and some elected officials of forming a syndicate, leading to neglect of the region’s infrastructure needs.
The highway project, initially carried out by Tussnial and Company under the Assam Public Works Department (PWD) in 2021-22, had a budget allocation of approximately Rs 14 crore. However, residents have consistently raised issues about the poor quality of work, often highlighted by media outlets. At the time, PWD engineer Abdul Haq Khan dismissed these complaints, claiming satisfactory progress.
Currently, fresh repair efforts are underway due to further road deterioration after heavy rains, causing potholes and exposed rocks to emerge. Despite an additional Rs 20 crore allocated for these repairs, Chakraborty points out that the work remains subpar, with contractors reportedly applying only superficial patches over potholes. This has led to the road surface degrading again after recent rainfall, especially concerning with the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The inefficient use of government funds has sparked mounting frustration among locals, with criticism directed at the district administration and PWD for inadequate oversight and inaction. As residents continue to grapple with unreliable infrastructure, calls for accountability and meaningful intervention grow louder. The situation underscores the need for transparency and responsibility in public works to prevent further erosion of trust among the affected communities.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/nh-151-woes-congress-leader-in-karimganj-demands-action-against-corrupt-contractors-1101700-2024-10-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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