Keonjhar: Even as many projects in Keonjhar have allegedly fallen victim to red tape, several others have remained non-starters even as construction of a handful of projects has halted midway.
A case in point is the construction of the Zilla Sanskruti Bhawan building, which has remained incomplete even four years after it was undertaken.
The incomplete building is yet to be put to any use by the culture department, and has turned into a stocking yard for a contractor who has been handling road expansion projects in the town.
Locals alleged the contractor has taken over the incomplete building. “Construction material like cement and iron rods have been stockpiled inside the building. A number of labourers have been provided temporary shelter there,” said locals.
They sought to know who has given permission to the contractor to use the building.
As long as the building remains unfinished, residents of the district headquarters will be deprived of availing the facilities of a top-class auditorium and library.
Currently, a large number of unemployed youths make use of the library while preparing for various competitive exams.
Earlier, the district information and public relations department and culture department had their own libraries. Later, both libraries faced shortage of space and staff. Eventually, to cater to the needs of the youths, officials merged both the libraries into one.
Locals say they are looking forward to the completion of the building as they can then get access to an upgraded library, which has been on the town’s wish-list for long.
Construction of Zilla Sanskruti Bhawan was undertaken in 2012. A construction agency was assigned the work of its design and cost estimation.
The cost of the project was estimated at Rs 2.23 crore. But electricity, water supply and toilet facilities were not taken into account.
After the tender process, a contractual agency was awarded the work for Rs 1.53 crore. The work order was given March 17, 2012 and the work was supposed to be completed by February 16, 2013. However, the building still lies incomplete.
Sources said its outlay was later revised at Rs 3.22 crore with inclusion of electricity, water supply and toilet facilities.
“The remaining work will be completed after inviting a tender for Rs 1.1 crore,” said executive engineer of the roads and building department, Umesh Chandra Mishra. PNN
