Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 29 2010:
Even as the State authorities have assured to complete the construction of Pallel Bridge at the earliest, it is still apprehensive for further delay as the former contractor of the said work is set to take up legal recourse alleging the State authorities of victimising him.
Special Contractor Chanam Biren who started construction of the said bridge revealed during a press conference held at Manipur Press Club that he was permitted to construct the bridge on May 11, 2001 by Union Ministry of Rural Transport and Highways (Road Wing) following a recommendation from National Highway Division-II of State Public Works Department.
After the work was started in 2004, the contractor said, the construction of the bridge has been stopped since past one year due to some altercation with one of the former Chief Engineers of State PWD.
The contractor alleged, his work order was annulled and his name blacklisted when he pleaded to issue Indent order and clear running bill by the said Chief Engineer.
At this juncture, Biren said, the authorities are reportedly trying to complete the construction of the said bridge by issuing a fresh work order.
Informing that he had personally spent around Rs 1.5 crore in the contruction of the said bridge and approached road, Biren lamented that re-tendering of the said work is an effort to victimise him as single penny has been sanctioned to him for the said work by the Govt so far.
He also urged upon the concerned authorities to look into the matter and take up necessary action to clear his due amount.
Biren further warned that he would move to Court if the authorities hand over the work to another contractor without clearing his bills.
It may be mentioned that Pallel Bridge is to be constructed on Sekmai river on Imphal-Moreh section of National Highway-39 with an estimated cost of around Rs 3 crores.