Kaptipada: Crores of rupees are being spent to boost rural connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, but some projects have allegedly been botched up by contractors in Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district, a report said.
A case in point is the 19-km PMGSY road from Mahisasuri Chhak to Padmapokhari. Locals were upset over sub-standard construction of the project, estimated to cost Rs 6.69 crore. Its work started December 1, 2016 and was supposed to be completed by September 1, 2017.
However, only 25 percent of the work has been done.
People of Majhigadia and Gendagadia alleged that the contractor carrying out the work has been shown favour while excess billing has been made for the project till date.
Quality of the construction work has been compromised just to mint money, locals added, demanding a Vigilance probe into the irregularity. Blacktopping of the road has peeled off at several places like Bhejadiha, Chhatramba, Raipal and Padmapokhari.
Meanwhile, the local residents have drawn the attention of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, chief secretary, Lokayukta, Collector, Vigilance SP of Balasore and media persons towards the irregularity.
They warned of agitation and even moving the court if no step is taken to redress the issue.
Executive Engineer of the Rural Development Department Sukanta Behera admitted that the contractor has neglected the work and the department has served a notice on him.
“If necessary, the tender will be cancelled and a fresh tender for the work will be floated,” Behera said.
PNN
