HEC wants dishonest contractors to amend their act
Unfinished works galore at Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, June 08 2012: Stating that lack of proper implementation of Government schemes by the contractors concerned and agencies coupled with ineffective monitoring of the implementation as the main root cause of underdevelopment in the hill areas of Manipur, the Hunphun Executive Council (HEC) in a press conference today questioned why Government authorities remain indifferent to the repeated appeals of the people to keep a tab on dishonest contractors and agencies.

Taking strong exception to the many half done government schemes by the contractors at Ukhrul, Chairman of HEC, Edmund Chiphang mentioned some glaring examples of the half done construction works by the alleged dishonest contractors at Ukhrul town thereby depriving the basic amenities intended for the people by the government.

Chiphang pointed out that Rs 61 lacs District Veterinary Hospital building construction under NLCPR, which is an upgradatation of the old veterinary hospital at Greenland, began in 2009 .

However even after four years the building remains incomplete.

Dismantling of the old Veterinary Hospital building and non completion of the new building has practically made the District Veterinary Office to function without hospital in the District Headquarters.

An unfinished structure adorns the landscape at Ukhrul

Citing another example, he said work for installation of 2 x 5 MVA 33 KV with associated 33KV line and related works at the old electricity power house complex with the approved cost of Rs.420.59 lacs began in 2009 in the name of the Kolkota based M/S Shyama Power Ltd.

But till date the work is still at the initial stage.

Similarly the construction of Rs10 lacs Greenland Community hall construction under Manipur Development Society (MDS) at Ukhrul town by the same contractor remains without any progress from its initial setting.

Terming this negligence on the part of the contractors as not only intentionally depriving the developmental prospect of the people but a daylight robbery, the HEC questioned why the Government has not taken up any action according to the law of the land.

He further warned that HEC will not remain silent spectator if the construction is not completed at the earliest.

Pointing out various grievances of the District Headquarters, the HEC Chairman said that Ukhrul district has been without a regular Deputy Commissioner for more than two months.

After the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul R Sudhan went on leave in March, a young IAS officer of 2009 batch who is the SDO of Ukhrul was placed as DC in charge without sanctioning any power.

Interestingly the DC in charge is also the SDO in charge of Jessami.

The HEC has also taken serious note of the allocation of site for fish and chicken stall in front of SDO quarters and the old Fishery department office by the Department concerned to individuals.

Construction of these stalls has greatly affected the expansion of the main street of the town and has led to traffic congestions.

The HEC appealed to the authority concerned to look into the matter at the earliest.