Resentment is brewing among residents of Paradip over inauguration of an incomplete project. Paradip MLA Sambit Routray was invited to inaugurate Rahama-Khosalpur bridge lighting project.
After the arrival of the legislator, when a few guests tried to connect to transformer of Khosalpur for electricity for the inauguration, villagers objected to that. The bridge illumination project was later inaugurated with the help of a digital generator. Much to the embarrassment of MLA, all the lights went off engulfing the whole area in darkness soon after the inauguration.
Though villagers are reeling from low voltage problems for years, the district administration is yet to install a transformer. In such circumstances, the administration inaugurated the bridge lighting project without installation of transformer. Villagers meanwhile allege misappropriation of funds in the project, sources added.
Rahama Bazaar Committee President Sunakar Behera said, “It’s shameful that inauguration of bridge lighting wad held sans transformer. Around Rs 54 lakh was sanctioned for the project including installation of a transformer so that villagers will not get affected by power cuts and low voltage issues. Without erection of a transformer, the administration launched the project suddenly.”
A local resident, Kishore Kumar Swain, said, “The project was inaugurated hurriedly through digital generator when we opposed. There was no need to launch the project when transformer is yet to be installed.”
On the other hand, the MLA said “Assembly session will be beginning soon for which he won’t find time further to launch the project. That’s why the project was launched.”
Routray, meanwhile, assured to sort out the transformer issue within three days.