ODR status on Saikul-Phaibung Road reduced to a joke
Govt's signature of apathy written all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 12 2010: Though the Government has recognised Saikul-Phaibung Road as an Other District Road (ODR) way back in 1980, failure of constructing a proper bridge over Ithoi river running next to Molkon market has affected the economic activities of the people.

A joint team of representatives of Kuki Inpi Saikul, KSO Saikul and mediapersons yesterday visited Molkon Market in Saikul sub-division to get a first hand account of the avoidable difficulties being faced by the people of the area.

Inspite of strong current of the river in this rainy season, in the absence of a proper bridge, a hanging bridge constructed by the villagers themselves has been serving as the only means of connectivity between the market and around 50 villages located beyond.

A rope bridge which connect Saikul with the rest of the world

Made of GI wires knitted closely with bamboo and wooden chips, the bridge can accommodated only 3 to 4 persons at a time.

The vegetable products and rice from these villages like T Gamnon, Matukhong, S Khonomphai, Lhungtin, etc, which are situated beyond Ithoi river, are being brought to Molnom market for sale either by jeep or carried in Shum (a type of basket) on foot.

This has been the main source of livelihood for the villagers.

Though Jeep can cross the river during the dry season, it is unthinkable during rainy season because of the strong water current and the villagers find it difficult to bring their products to the market.

In this regard, representatives of Kuki Inpi and KSO informed that when there is heavy rainfall and the water level of Ithoi river rises, the connection between the market and the villages beyond remain completely cut off.

In such situation, the villagers try to cross the river by using dugout canoes.

But there have been many instances of loss of lives when the canoes capsized.

It is said that in 1980, the then MLA Haokholet Khongsai managed to include construction of a bridge over Ithoi river in the work programme of the Government.

However, as road cutting work had not been carried out properly, the work proposal had not been implemented.

Again, in 1996, the then MLA C Doungel included construction of the bridge under the BMS programme.

From BMS programme, the work proposal had been subsequently transferred and included under PMGSY programme.

However, after some initial work, construction of the bridge has remain stalled.

It is learnt that the present MLA Doukhomang Khongsai has been trying hard to include the work proposal under work programme of the Government again.

But so far, it is yet to be finalised.

Lack of development in Saikul area in this 21st century is so stark that there is no sign of a Government in place.

Though the Chief Minister had earlier assured that the Primary Health Centre at Saikul would be upgraded into a Community Health Centre.

It has remained only an assurance.

The Molkon Market, which is providing livelihood to many people, is said to have been instructed in 1972 in a very simple manner by erecting some wooden pillars and covering them with tin sheets.

Till today, there has been no change in the look of the market.

Around 100 households are settling in Molkon area.

But the Government has not provided not even a single water tank to supply drinking water.

The same is true about medical facilities.

The Government High School at Molkon has not been able to ensure the kind of education that is expected to its students.

Representatives of Kuki Inpi and KSO, Saikul informed that there used to be one Awangwadi Centre the area, But no one knows what has happened to it.