SHILLONG, May 20: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday donned the mantle of a firefighter as he attempted to douse the growing anger among citizens against the tardy construction of the Rs 48-crore Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong. He asserted that any shortcomings in the construction of the ISBT would be addressed by the Public Works Department (PWD).
“A contractor is a contractor. The department will take steps, wherever necessary, to address all concerns,” Sangma said.
The government has come in for sharp criticism for the inferior quality of construction work of the ISBT which was sanctioned by the North Eastern Council. The ISBT complex, which began operations on April 1, sustained severe damages last week due to rainfall, evoking widespread condemnation from the civil society, pressure groups and the public.
Asked to react on the matter, the chief minister declined to speak further. He said it would not be fair on his part to speak on the matter without going into the technical aspect.
The CM was also mum on the possibility of action being initiated against the contractor and the department for the shoddy construction work.
On Thursday, PWD Minister Prestone Tynsong had ruled out any probe into the alleged poor quality construction of the ISBT at Mawiong but said the officers concerned should be punished for lapses, if any as officers release the bills of all projects only after they are satisfied with the quality of work undertaken.
Meanwhile, the FKJGP Mawlai Circle slammed the deputy chief minister for ruling out an inquiry. Its circle president, Kharkupar Nongsiej questioned how the deputy CM can make such irresponsible remark that the government will repair the ISBT instead of fixing those people responsible for the slipshod construction work.
“The government is ready to spend money to repair the ISBT but it always gives excuses about paucity of funds when it comes to enhancement of salaries of the teachers,” Nongsiej said, adding that it was a clear indication that the government is involved in corruption.
The FKJGP leader also slammed Tynsong for shielding the contractor and training his gun on the department officials. “We want the government to take action against the officials and also the contractor involved with the ISBT project,” Nongsiej said, while adding that it was the citizens who are the ultimate losers due to rampant corruption.
