Jajpur: A minor repair of the cracks developed in the guarders of a high-level under-construction bridge across river Brahmani at Jenapur in this district has not only posed threat to commuters but also raised questions over the structure’s longevity.
This has also brought the role of government officials under scanner. The bridge is being constructed by the roads and buildings (R&B) department.
According to sources, two major cracks had appeared in the guarders that support the concrete slab no 9 and 10 of the bridge in February, 2016. However, ARSS Infrastructure Project Ltd, the consultancy firm engaged in the construction, made some minor repairs instead of reconstructing the guarders. This has sparked resentment among locals who would use the bridge in future.
They demanded an impartial probe into the allegations and necessary action.
On the other hand, it is alleged that the firm, in connivance with the department officials, is trying to misappropriate the wages of labourers engaged in the construction.
According to reports, the Rs 44.65-crore bridge project, with grant-in-aid from NABARD, was awarded to ARCC Infrastructure Project Ltd during 2011-12 fiscal. However, the department extended the deadline to February 28, 2018 as the project couldn’t be completed. Of the 35 pillars, the firm has so far completed the foundation laying work of 22 pillars. The foundations of the remaining pillars would be laid by December end, according to company sources.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the labourers, both skilled and unskilled, urged the firm to reconstruct the guarders when the cracks had appeared. However, the firm as well as the department officials ignored their points saying the cracks were not too serious and minor repair was suffice. This they did to reduce the expenditure of the project, some workers said under condition of anonymity.
According to experts, the guarders carry significance as far as the safety and longevity of the bridge is concerned. A poor quality guarder can someday lead to collapse of the structure, the labourers said. Therefore, questions are raised over the role of the department officers as to why they didn’t go for reconstruction of guarders having fault.
It is also alleged that the firm has employed workers from other states as sinkers without obtaining required permission from the state government.
When contacted over the cracks in the guarders, R&B executive engineer Taraprasad Mishra of Panikoili division said he has no knowledge of it. Still, he would conduct a probe into the allegations, Mishra added.
ARSS authorities rubbished the allegations, saying the entire construction is being undertaken in the presence of department officials. PNN
