From Our Correspondent
TURA, June 30: Several civil society and community organisations in East Garo Hills have joined forces to seek an immediate and impartial inquiry into the alleged substandard construction of the Children and Adolescents’ Library and Digital Infrastructure at Nengkra A’we under Samanda C&RD Block of the district.
The organisations, including the GSU, FKGJP, Garoland State Movement Committee, A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement, A’chik Dedicated Integrity Leaders, A’chik Progressive Approach and All A’chik Youth Federation, along with the Nokma, Sardar and concerned villagers of Nengkra A’we, on Monday submitted a collective representation to the East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner in this regard.
According to their representation, the project, meant to serve the Village Employment Councils (VECs) of Nengkra Bolsalgittim, Chima Dachit, Gradekgittim and others under Samanda Block, was sanctioned in October last year at an estimated cost of Rs 21.62 lakh, including Rs 17.20 lakh for civil and electrical works.
When the aforementioned groups jointly conducted an inspection and public consultation at the site recently, they reportedly found serious flaws in the quality and scope of the construction.
The organisations claimed that the toilet septic tank was not constructed as per the estimated design and standards, thereby indicating possible cost-cutting or deviation from the sanctioned plan, while the rainwater harvesting tank did not match the projected cost and specifications.
They also reportedly found that portions of the main building structure had already developed visible cracks, raising immediate safety and structural concerns, and that the plastering work remained incomplete and poorly executed, which corroborated lack of workmanship and adherence to quality norms.
Stating that these alarming findings clearly showed wasteful expenditure of public funds and violations of the terms and conditions of the sanctioned work order, the organisations stressed that public infrastructure, especially one intended for the educational development of children and adolescents, cannot and must not be compromised under any circumstances.
They added that substandard work in such projects is a serious underestimation of the aspirations and rights of the local community.
In this regard, the organisations demanded an immediate and independent inquiry into the quality, expenditure and execution of the project, along with the submission of the report to the representatives and the public and corrective actions to ensure the structure is brought up to standard.
They also warned that they would be compelled to take further action if timely measures are not taken.