Drinking water projects incomplete in Jajpur as non-Odia contract companies leave midway, residents demand action

Some non-Odia contract companies from outside Odisha have allegedly left the constructions of many mega drinking water projects midway in Jajpur district and withdrawn crores of rupees during the tenure of the previous government in the State.

Following the development, questions are now being raised over the condition and durability of many projects in the district built with an expenditure of crores of rupees.

According to Odisha Suchana Adhikara Abhijana (OSAA), a grant of around Rs 900 crore has been provided for the construction of mega water drinking water projects in as many as seven blocks. However, the projects are yet to be completed even after four years.

Take the case of Balikudia mega drinking water project under Raichhanda panchayat in Dharmasala block of the district. The project started with an estimated budget of Rs 325 crore. Though the contract company from outside Odisha has taken around Rs 324 crore, the project work is yet to be completed.

“The company has withdrawn the money by showing that 85 per cent of the work in Balikudia mega drinking water project has been completed. Unfortunately, the work is yet to be completed,” rued RTI activist Sarbeswar Behura.

“Non-Odia contractors have left many mega drinking water projects by withdrawing money. Local people of the area will never be benefitted from the projects,” said Sudam Charan Behera, Sarpanch of Jaraka Gram Panchayat.

Similarly, Rs 178 crore, Rs 246 crore and Rs 87 crore have been granted to Dasarathpur, Binjharpur and Danagadi blocks respectively for the construction of mega drinking water projects during the tenure of BJD government. Though there was a change in the government, the projects could never be completed.

In response, Jajpur residents have demanded a review of the projects and to take stern actions against the non-Odia contractors.

“The non-Odia companies from outside the State have looted crores of rupees and left the projects incomplete. Common people in the district will suffer due to this neglect. We demand stern actions against them,” said Pramod Kumar Jena, a resident of Barchana.

“It is a huge scam. Around 20,000-30,000 crore rupees have been looted by the non-Odia companies in Odisha. However, even 50 per cent works of many projects have not been completed yet. These things need to be reviewed and necessary actions should be taken,” said RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan.

Now, a question mark has been raised on why the contract was given to the non-Odia companies. In response, Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo has indicated the role of the then-powerful MLA Pranab Prakash Das in it.

“The non-Odia companies have withdrawn 20-30 per cent more money in the bill of all the projects carried out in Odisha. Works during the tenure of the previous government have been neglected a lot. We will try our best to rectify it and do some good work for the people,” said Sahoo.

Meanwhile, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Naik said that actions will be taken following an investigation.

“Everybody knows that contracts were given to companies in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradeh. Following investigations, if any irregularities are found, actions will be taken against the erring persons,” said Naik.

However, no comments could be obtained from BJD in this regard.