A CORRESPONDENT
BOKO: During the last couple of years, Boko constituency has seen many new roads and bridges constructed under various packages, mostly under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which have been allotted to different contractors. But the consistency in the quality of construction of the various projects which have been completed is objectionable. Call it insincerity, laziness or corruption on the part of officials or engineers of PWD Roads, Boko Circle, or corruption on the part of the contractors, the end result is the same as always- the public has to pay the price for it. Complaints have been made on a regular basis but PWD officials seldom pay attention to such concerns and complaints. No stern or disciplinary action against the alleged corrupt contractors has been taken till date. The local people have complained of corruption within the department and the contractors to whom the projects are allotted.
The road measuring a length of 1.5 km, including a RCC bridge (package no AS .11.467) at Rs 161.84 lakh was allotted to a contractor. The road has almost been completed. But the side bumps are yet to be filled. The height in the elevation of the bridge remains a technical and engineering fault but the PWD seems unconcerned. The side pillars are erected inside the bridge's width and the boulder pitching of the earth works at the approach is incomplete.
The PMGSY road from Kwaimari to Dhupdhara measuring a length of 8.50 km at a cost of 615.12700 (package AS.11.830) allotted to a contractor has left people wondering. One of the pin points on the display does not match the practical field at all. The size of the TMT bars used for the side is also questionable.
The package no. (AS.11.471) from Kacharipara to Durapara measuring 2 km with an estimated cost of Rs 1,21,89.000 started on 21.10.19 but it is incomplete till date for unspecified and unknown reasons.
In another unnamed project -a road linking from NH 17 at Bondapara Tini Ali towards Malang in Boko constituency- the display board has not been erected even though the road has been completed. All these anomalies have made local people question the role of the PWD Roads.