Bari: Local residents have alleged substandard work in the repairing of Baruan–Bari–Kalamatia road under Panikoili Public Works Division in Jajpur district.
However, officials have reportedly failed to take note of the issue despite a series of public complaints. As a result, potholes have reappeared on the road within six months of repairing, leading to frequent accidents and thereby, loss of life and property.
Locals have been suffering due to the road’s poor condition. It is alleged that officials violating government norms have split larger projects into smaller ones, having work order of Rs 5 lakh to bypass the open tender system and assigned the work to preferred contractors through backdoor methods. The repair work of this stretch of road was executed before March under such a process.
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Crucially, the work was not properly supervised by departmental engineers, allowing contractors to use substandard materials, locals alleged. Although residents have protested multiple times, no action has been taken. Even after media reports highlighted the matter, concerned officials have remained silent on the issue.
An official requesting anonymity also alleged that some officials are complicit in misappropriating public funds through these covert tender practices. The repair work has resumed again, with reports suggesting new contracts may again be awarded under political pressure through similar secretive means.
When contacted, Junior Engineer Bhagaban Behera said he recently joined the office and will give his opinion after reviewing the papers and documents. Locals have demanded a high-level investigation into the matter.
PNN