TURA: Large scale corruption amounting to several crores of rupees have been unearthed in connection with contract allotted for a periodic road repair project in South Garo Hills where the contractor charged with undertaking the project has kept pending for several years.
The periodic road repair project was allotted in the year 2013-14 to one, Ohme Marak of Baigonkona under Sibbari of the same district for an estimated amount of Rs 5,16,96,745. The allotted project falls under National Highway 62 and covers a total of 29 kilometres- 104 Km to 121 Km starting from Siju, 164 Km to 169 Km from Sibbari including the 187 Km to 194 Km stretch of road from Gasuapara to Cherengpara.
The matter was brought to light by a former leader of the GSU in Baghmara and current president of the A’kim Saldora Society, Nathan Marak who has questioned why action has not been taken against the erring contractor.
While some form of repair was started on the 187 Km to 194 Km stretch of road from Gasuapara to Cherengpara, the same was discontinued halfway and the stretch continues to pose problems for commuters who have to deal with its many potholes. According to Marak, the same work has been completed on paper and an amount of Rs 1 crore 5 lakhs has also been released to the contractor.
On the other hand, repairs on the 104 km to121 km from Siju and 164 km to 169 km from Sibbari has also been kept pending with no signs of any kind of work re-starting.
As per documents available, repeated reminders were served to the contractor concerned by different district officials directing him to complete the pending work. However, no amount of pressure seems to have worked and work on the roads till date has come to a standstill.
It may be mentioned that South Garo Hills District happens to be the most neglected in terms of road communications which has been posing problems for travelers since the last many decades.
Marak has questioned why the contractor was allowed to continue despite not heeding repeated reminders served to him.
“Despite knowing the bad condition of roads in the district why was he allowed to continue? Action should be taken against him and he should be blacklisted by the concerned department,” Marak demanded.