SHILLONG: Excise Minister, Zenith M Sangma, said that as per the findings of the enquiry report, there is no concrete evidence to indicate the reasons which led to the collapse of the PWD Bridge at Kolmesagre, East Garo Hills.
“With the lack of evidence, they could not fix responsibility against any one,” Sangma said while replying to a question raised by UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh in the Assembly here on Wednesday.
He however said that the Government has already issued clear-cut directives that they should strictly adhere with the estimated cost, while implementing any projects.
“Stringent action will be taken against any officers if they fail to comply with the directive,” Sangma said.
Earlier, the UDP legislator refused to accept the claim by the Government that there was no concrete evidence which led to the collapse of the bridge.
“This is a very serious incident since one PWD junior engineer died in the incident,” Lyngdoh said.
He also recalled that even the local MLA Deborah C Marak had said that the PWD should be held responsible for the mishap.
It may be reminded that on July 10 this year, an engineer from Tura died on the spot while sixteen others were seriously injured when an under-construction bridge collapsed at Kolmesagre.
The Junior Engineer working with the PWD, identified as Lemingston Marak, died on the spot when the wooden scaffolding under the newly-cemented patch of the bridge collapsed and he was caught under the falling debris.
It is alleged that the scaffolding which was meant to hold the cement slab had collapsed because of the poor quality of timber used during the contruction of PWD bridge in Garo Hills.
