Substandard Road Construction Irks Locals In Nayagarh District

Nayagarh: Odisha government is spending crores of rupees for development of infrastructure and construction of roads in the State. However, people are still facing numerous difficulties in transportation due to illegal nexus between some concerned officials and contractors who are resorting to unfair means while executing various projects. One such glaring example of corruption has been reported in the construction of road at Sampada village under Nuagaon Tehsil in Nayagarh district.

Local residents alleged that substandard materials have been used in the construction of main road connecting Mahipur and Samapada village. The 10 kilometre road is being constructed by Rural Development department at an estimated cost of Rs 3.97 crore.

The local residents informed that the road construction work which began in December 2016 was targeted to be completed by November 18, 2017. Though the construction work is yet to be completed, the road has already developed cracks and bitumen of the road easily comes out when a cycle passes on it. One can also easily remove the bitumen with hands which clearly suggests that there have been massive irregularities in the road construction.

Expressing displeasure over the use of substandard materials, the locals are demanding action against the individuals and agencies executing the road project. "The work is of substandard quality. As very poor quality of materials used, the bitumen comes out even when someone walks over it or removes it by hands," alleged one Keshab Behera, a local resident.

"Thousands of people and other commuters are depending on the road. However, the quality of the road is such that the bitumen comes out even when a cycle goes on it. We request the concerned officials to initiate a probe into the matter and take action against the contractor and those who are involved in it," said Chandan Parida, another local resident.

The locals alleged that the road construction work has been carried out in the absence of the concerned Executive Engineer and as per the wish of the contractor. As there is no signboard of the project, locals alleged that concerned officials overlooked such irregularities in the construction work after accepting percentage of commission (PC) from the contractor.

On being informed about the poor quality of road construction, the Executive Engineer of Nayagarh (RD-2), Amersh Chandra Nayak said that," Already instructions have been given to the contractor to reconstruct the road. "He (contractor) will rectify and remove the bitumen completely and reconstruct the road."

Nayagarh District Collector, N.Thirumala Naik also has directed the Executive Engineer to take action against the contractor. "I have directed the Executive Engineer, Nayagarh (RD-2) to take action against the contractor. We will take steps to avoid reoccurrence of such issue."