Saintala: Allegations of poor quality of construction and misappropriation of funds have surfaced over the construction of check dams in Bolangir district. The first such allegation is about the check dam being built by the Irrigation department at an estimated cost of Rs 41 lakh at Jalia Babamath of Kandhakelgaon under this block. Locals alleged that the contractor allotted with the job is using low-quality cement and 12mm iron rods instead of the 16mm in construction of the dam. They pointed out that the contractor has adopted such means to make a hefty profit and added that it has been possible as government officials are not visiting the construction site on a regular basis. Locals are apprehensive about the durability of the check dam. An employee of the construction company remained tightlipped when asked about the allegations.
Similar allegations have also surfaced over the construction of another check dam at Makri village under Dharabagarh panchayat. Locals also alleged that the contractor who bagged the tender is not doing the job on his own. On the other hand, he has distributed work to local builders after taking his cut.
Meanwhile, cracks have already developed in a check dam which is being built at Kukurakhai Creek under Kansar panchayat. The total project cost is over Rs 36 lakh. This has happened due to the use of poor-quality cement, locals alleged. Officials of the Irrigation Department refused to talk about this issue when contacted over the phone. However, Bolangir district sub-collector Dayamaya Padhi said that the complaints will be probed and appropriate action will be taken accordingly.
