Substandard Road Work Fumes Khurda Locals

Khurda: Residents of Damiabarbara village under Banapur block in Khurda district have expressed their resentment over the alleged irregularities in construction of a road in the area.

A six-kilometre road between Bhatapada and Damiabarbara is being constructed by a private firm under the Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana with an estimated cost of Rs 3.3 Crore.

The construction of the road was scheduled to begin on May 9, 2018 and complete on July 8, 2019, however, the works began just 15 days ago.

Alleging poor quality of works, the locals have blamed the construction company after bitumen covering the road was seen easily peeling out in patches.

“The work is underway for last several days but so far the road roller is yet to be used. Besides, substandard materials have also been used in the road works. If we don’t have the right to have access to a proper road, why the government has sanctioned the project under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana,” said Laxmidhar Sabara, a resident of Damiabarbara.

Another local, Surath Sabar, said, “Cores of rupees are being spent for construction of the road but we are bewildered as to why poor materials are being used in the road construction. We urge the government to ensure that the works should be carried out as per the estimate.”

He went on to add, "As per the rule, an official of the Rural Development department should monitor the construction work regularly but a supervisor named Sibaram has been given the charge. When we try to approach him seeking information on allegations of substandard works, he seems to have no idea which is shocking."

Despite repeated attempts, the concerned officials of Rural Development department or the construction company did not give any comment over the allegations.