Tura, Dec 21: The long delay to complete a village road in West Garo Hills has sparked outrage among villagers with the Nokrek Area Development Committee on Thursday condemning the same and demanding swift action from authorities on the matter.
The road in question is the 5 kilometre long Rongsigre to Durabanda Road which was sanctioned for an amount of Rs 7,96,55,000/-. The work order for its construction was issued on January 4 2018, with a maximum time period of 12 months to complete. The construction falls under the PWD (Roads) North Division Tura.
According to the organization, the contract works for the same were allotted to contractors of whom included Bikash Harlaka, Gaurav Harlaka, MD Construction, and Ram Gopal Harlaka from Fancy Valley in Tura. As per the villagers, while the department reportedly claimed that 97% of the works was completed, only 40% of the same has been done.
The committee has also alleged discrepancies in the construction materials as paver blocks were used instead of metalling and blacktopping as promised. Villagers also reveal that two bridges over the Gopgija and Imbisi rivers, crucial for safe travel in emergencies, especially during the rainy season, were missing from the project.
“We demand urgent action against those responsible for the incomplete project. We also want the project re-started as per the original construction plan. Concerned authorities must also address the lack of bridges to ensure safety and accessibility of the region,” Committee Secretary, Chegan N Marak said.