Due to poor repair work and neglect by the administration, several roads in different parts of Odisha have turned into death traps. Precious lives are being lost as several roads are filled with potholes.
The case of Ghantapada village road under Talcher block in Angul district is also no different. Due to the alleged shoddy repair work by the contractor, the road has turned into a nightmare for the commuters in the village.
In the name of road expansion, both the sides of the roads were dug. However, poor quality work was undertaken by MCL Jagannath and the road was left in a dangerous condition, alleged locals.
There are many craters and potholes on the road. Many accidents are frequently happening on the road and the situation worsens during rainy season.
“Commuters are suffering due to the shoddy repair work. The repair work should not have been left midway like this. We have been requested the administration about the ordeal of the commuters several times, but nothing has changed,” said Karunakar Sahu, Ghantapada Samiti member.
Meanwhile, MCL Jagannath authorities have assured a proper inquiry into the allegations.
“After receiving complaints from the villagers, I have sent our civil engineer and staff officer to the ground immediately to submit a report after an inquiry. If it is MCL related road, we will take over immediately and make necessary arrangements to bring out proper solution,” said MCL General Manager, Ashok Dhal.
In another similar case, the main road connecting ward number one to six under Vyasanagar Municipality in Jajpur district is wallowing under neglect. It has turned into a death trap for the commuters.
Thousands of people depend on the road on a daily basis. However, big potholes have developed on the road due to lack of repair work for long. Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction over the neglect by the administration.
“People of Vyasanagar mainly depend on the road to travel to their respective destinations. Rs 1, 55, 00,000 was sanctioned for the repair work of the road. However, the tender has not been floated by the administration so far. Several accidents are occurring on the road almost on a daily basis. School-going children and patients are mainly suffering while commuting on the road. We request the administration to repair the road immediately,” said Sanjeeb Kumar Jena, a local resident.
Meanwhile, Jajpur Collector Chakravarti Singh Rathore assured that the repair work of the road would be undertaken immediately after the rainy season.
“We are aware of the problem. The repair works will be undertaken immediately after the rainy season,” said Rathore.