The Maku Village Authority voiced dissatisfaction regarding the inaction of the Rural Engineering Department/Manipur State Rural Development Agency (MSRRDA) and the State Government concerning Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana work in Maku village.
During a press conference at Sentinel College, Ukhrul, Qr Aleng Shaiza, Chairman of the Village Development Committee (VDC), called for Government intervention to address the failure of the executing agency or contractors to adhere to PMGSY guidelines for Maku village, neglected for six years.
He disclosed, ‘The work order for executing the PMGSY Road Package from TO2/BRTF Road to Maku was granted to M/s HVS Construction Materials Pvt Limited with a tender amount of Rs. 334.69 lakhs for an 800 km stretch, and 46.02 lakh for 5 years maintenance. According to the work order, the package was to be completed within 18 Months (27/10/2018 to 26/04/2020)’.
The VDC Chairman further asserted that the package included the construction of five retaining walls, 10 breast walls, and an 80 m pucca drain, yet none of the specified work has been completed to date.
He stated, ‘M/s HVS Construction Materials Pvt Limited began work in late 2020 after numerous complaints, but abandoned the site without completion, citing machinery maintenance and other requirements’.
Considering the plight of the hill people, the VDC Chairman urged the concerned Department and the State Government to take necessary actions against the erring contractor for disregarding PMGSY guidelines and to ensure that road construction begins strictly in line with approved norms.
He cautioned that if the work is not resumed within 15 days, the Village Authority would be compelled to take further action. The press conference was attended by Maku Village Mantri, Maku Village Authority Councils, VDC vice-presidents, and secretary, among others.
