By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 14: The state government has instructed the Chief Engineer of National Highway, PWD (Roads) to verify whether the allegation of shoddy construction of the 16 Km Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai road is true.
Constructed by the Dhar Constructions, the condition of the road allegedly started deteriorating two months after construction.
PWD (Roads) Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said, “I have already instructed my Chief Engineer to find out whether the allegation is correct or not. We will ensure that such kind of recklessness in the execution of projects does not happen.”
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council War Jaintia circle, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (War-Jaintia), Association of Exporters and residents of the area have formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) and threatened to take Dhar Constructions to the court over the alleged shoddy construction. The Rs 43 crore project was approved by the Centre.
Referring to RTI findings, the JAC said the overall authorisation for the road from Nongtalang to Dawki was more than Rs 43.69 crore.There is a growing demand to blacklist Dhar Constructions but Tynsong said, “I can’t say whether blacklisting is required or not. Let the process start. I will know exactly (what happened) when I get the report with all details.”
He added, “Directly, this is linked to NHAI because this is a national highway and does not fall under the state government authority. NHAI is the sole authority of this project.”
Talking about the High Court of Meghalaya order seeking a report from the state government on the status of NH 6, Tynsong said, “The repairing work has already started right from Khliehriat side. NHAI has engaged a contractor to do the repairing work and it should be completed soon.”