From Our Correspondent
WILLIAMNAGAR, April 28: The A’chik Organisation for Social Welfare (AOSW) has sought the intervention of the state government into the alleged poor quality of road construction along the Asanang-Samanda stretch of NH-44, undertaken by Midas Construction Company.
Based at Simsanggre in East Garo Hills, the organisation has submitted formal complaints addressed to PWD Minister Prestone Tynsong, Chief Engineer PWD (Roads), East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, and Executive Engineer of Williamnagar, expressing grave concern over what it described as substandard and unsafe construction practices observed during an independent site inspection.
According to the AOSW, the construction quality fell significantly below acceptable standards.
Critical infrastructure components such as bridges, culverts, retaining walls and highway guardrails were either poorly built or entirely missing.
It was further observed by the organisation that guardrails had been installed on unstable, loose soil, creating a major safety hazard, especially with the monsoon season approaching.
The AOSW also pointed out that extensive excavation activities in the hilly terrain, carried out without the necessary retaining walls, have already triggered landslides in areas like Rombagre in West Garo Hills and Rangmalgre in East Garo Hills.
These landslides, the organisation argued, pose serious risks to the lives of villagers and commuters and increase the likelihood of road accidents.
Additionally, the AOSW highlighted that several existing bridges, which were supposed to be replaced or reinforced under the project, remain structurally compromised and may not endure the weight of heavy vehicles. Alarmingly, potholes and collapsed sections have already appeared within a month of laying the new road surface.
Despite repeated attempts to engage with Midas Construction Company to address these issues, the organisation stated that the company has failed to respond or take any corrective action.
In this regard, the AOSW has urged the authorities to initiate an urgent and thorough inquiry into the construction project.
They maintain that immediate action is necessary to safeguard public safety, protect lives and maintain infrastructural standards in the region ahead of the monsoon season.
