Khaira: Thousands of people in three panchayats of Khaira block in Balasore district have been suffering from commuting problems in the absence of bridges across some creeks and rivers.
For the construction of four bridges in the area, the administration completed the tender process four months ago, but their work has not yet been started, lamented locals. They expressed their displeasure over the problem as the rainy season is drawing closer.
“With some days left for the rainy season, all are worried about the horrible communication problems that we confront whenever our area is flooded,” some villagers said.
According to reports, river Patharsuni passing through Basumati and Rudhinkia villages brings miseries for thousands of people in the riparian villages. Farmers, students and teachers of Kaurunta and Nandur panchayats face a lot of difficulty in rainy days due to absence of bridge across the river.
People of Damodarpur and Bhuanlagadia in Sardang panchayat had several times drawn the attention of the administration and local political leaders to their plight, but to no avail.
People are commuting through a bamboo bridge across the river. Oriya daily Dharitri had published a report August 9, 2016, following which steps were taken for four bridges across the river and a guard wall at Damodarpur at a cost of Rs 1.24 crore.
All formalities with contractor Deepak Panda for bridge construction were completed by January, 2017. Locals alleged some local leaders even won panchayat elections by claiming that the bridge will be completed soon.
Four months have passed, but no construction work has been taken up, locals said. Narendra Baral, a resident of Rudhinkia village, said, “Engineers of the department concerned have no control over the contractor who was assigned the project.”
Santosh Nayak of the same village noted the construction work is being delayed by the contractor, who should be changed immediately.
Sourabh Ranjan Nayak of Damodarpur, said, “The administration is showing favoritism towards contractors and not sorting out the problems of the common people. As a result, development projects are not being implemented successfully.”
Contractor Panda said bill of the old work he had done has not yet been cleared. “I can’t dare to start the work due to funds shortage at the department.”
Executive engineer of the drainage division, Basant Panda said letters were written to the contractor twice for agreement. Action will be taken against him, he added. PNN