Part 2: Chokpot Roads
From Biplab Kr Dey
CHOKPOT, Sep 26: Roads in Chokpot, located in the South Garo Hills (SGH) district, have been in disrepair for over three decades, and with the current state of affairs, the situation is likely to persist. This ongoing issue has left residents frustrated and searching for ways to express their grievances.
A conversation with Public Works Department (PWD) sources on Wednesday evening shed light on the situation. The construction company, Central Corporation Limited (CCL), known for its substandard work, was identified as the main cause of the suffering of residents in the Chokpot C&RD Block.
CCL has been awarded several road construction projects, many of which remain incomplete, even after seven years. Projects such as the road to Pelga Dare (Tura), the Rongjeng–Mangsang road (East Garo Hills), the Mendipathar–Songsak (North Garo Hills) road, and the Mendipathar–Resubelpara road are among those assigned to CCL. However, with the exception of the Rongjeng-Adokgre road, none of these projects have been completed.
CCL was awarded three sections of the Chokpot road, two of which were sanctioned in 2017, with the third sanctioned in 2018. The sections include the Sibbari–Chokpot road from kilometer 0 to kilometer 10 and from kilometer 10 to kilometer 20, as well as an additional 3-kilometer stretch on a side road, which remains incomplete. These projects were sanctioned during the previous Congress government, but CCL has provided excuses instead of making progress on the roads.
The company claims to be using “German” technology, which has so far failed to produce durable roads. One reason for the delay, according to CCL, is the wait for raw materials from Germany.
Various civil society organisations (CSOs), including the GSU, FKJGP, and AAYF, have confronted CCL officials about the delays, but excuses have been offered each time. “We are dumbfounded by their lack of sincerity in building our road. We are certain that by the time they complete the construction, it will already deteriorate. Their work is shoddy, slow, and extremely low in quality. How does it take seven years to complete just 10-20 kilometers of a road?” asked GSU president Jish Sangma.
During a recent visit to Chokpot, only six labourers and a supervisor were seen working on about 10 metres of road, with just a road roller at their disposal.
“We have approached state officials to remove CCL, as they are deceiving us in the name of road construction. It’s hard to believe they are still collecting materials. When will they finish?” questioned Sangma.
According to PWD sources, they have approached central authorities to seek the contractor’s removal across multiple districts. Although several show-cause notices have been issued, CCL has consistently delayed progress.
CSOs have now given CCL an ultimatum: complete the road within five months or leave.
“How long can we tolerate such unprofessionalism from a company that clearly doesn’t care? We’ve made numerous complaints to the department and the Deputy Commissioner and even considered taking the matter to the Lokayukta, but we held back after officials assured us that the issue would be addressed,” said GSU secretary Spensar Marak.
Reliable department sources confirmed that pressure has been applied to CCL to complete the work, but the company has not relented.
“We’ve been urging the company to finish the road as soon as possible, but they always find a reason to delay. If they relinquish the contract, we can draft a fresh Detailed Project Report (DPR) and seek better sanctions. This would significantly improve the road situation for Chokpot residents,” said a high-ranking official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, another company, SK Agarwala, has been awarded the road section from Baromile to Deku, and their work has progressed smoothly. Completion is expected within the next few months.
Department officials also confirmed that soil testing is being conducted in areas where the road is in poor condition. For another 20-kilometre stretch of the same road, a proposal has been sent to the state under the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Program (MITP), with funding from the World Bank expected soon.
“We have endured so much as residents of Chokpot, and now, when things are finally looking up, CCL is making life miserable for all of us. The state government must take action and cancel their contract, as we’ve lost all hope that they will ever complete the work—even in another decade,” expressed a frustrated Chokpot resident. (Concludes)