At a time when the Assam PWD has seen a bold new face, and the state government has boasted of adopting zero tolerance policy against corruption, the construction work of Tangla-Mahaliapara road has reported gross negligence on the poor quality of works.
The foundation stone of the road was laid on June 2 last by Sipajhar legislator Binanda Kumar Saikia and Kalaigaon MLA,Maheswar Baro.
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The road which falls partly in Darrang and Udalguri was lying in dilapidated condition for nearly the past decade.
But, locals had heaved a sigh of relief following the laying of foundation stone.
But contrary to keeping up to people’s aspirations, the contractor allegedly in unholy nexus with PWD officials has ignored the quality part largely, resulting in poor construction of roads.
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The aggrieved locals strongly voiced their concern over the poor quality work and demanded blacklisting of the construction company.
On a visit to the site, this correspondent witnessed as how the black topping carpet in Mahaliapara area laid on the night of June 5 have started deteriorating and coming out like pieces of cake.
The protest by locals forced the contractor to visit the site and apologize for the gross negligence on the part of the company on Thursday.
A resident of the area, Kshema Dhar Sarma showing the damaged portion of the road and expressed strong resentment while blaming the State Government for giving free hand to such construction companies.
Another local, Kushal Sahariah said, “We protested for nearly a decade to draw the attention of the government but if such is the level of development, then we don’t need it.”
It is a sheer misappropriation of public money, he added.
A local BJP activist Harish Ch Deka also came down heavily on the State Government and concerned officials.
Sources said Rs one crore was allocated for the work. Various organizations and student bodies have demanded high level inquiry into the matter and blacklisting of the construction company.