Construction of the Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai road : JAC alleges irregularities, threatens to move court

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 5: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising of traditional headmen of War Jaintia Hills and Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Saturday threatened to file a petition before the Meghalaya High Court against the alleged corruption in the construction of the Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai (NH 40E) (New NH 206) sanctioned by the Centre at Rs 43 crore.

The JAC also demanded the State government to “blacklist” the Dhar Construction Company in view of the dilapidated condition of the road within just two months of its completion.

The road was sanctioned by the Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways at Rs 43 crore. The work was allotted to the Dhar Construction Company on September 9, 2022 with a target that the road should be completed within 12 months.

“Despite the proposal by the PWD department was for strengthening the road, residents of the area are shocked and surprised that the road now is in a dilapidated condition just within two months of its completion,” JAC chairman and HYC leader Yoodahunki Shylla told reporters.

He said the JAC condemned the PWD for its failure to ensure proper implementation of the project which only led to misuse and wastage of public funds.

“Therefore, we have decided to move the Meghalaya High Court to ensure contractors do not attempt to make business out of developmental projects just for their personal gains,” Shylla said.

Demanding the Chief Engineer of PWD to issue clarification on the matter within a week’s time, he said, “This is because as per the PWD’s proposal, the road will be strengthened making it fit for use by heavy commercial vehicles but sadly, implementation on the ground says otherwise.”

“We will go ahead with our decision to file a PIL against poor implementation of the project but the PWD CE should clarify because he was the one who proposed details of the road. It cannot be that the proposal will end only on paper?” he said even as he maintained that the PIL will be against the PWD and the contractor.

To a query, Shylla alleged that corruption is there since the manner in which the bills were released to the contractors says that there is something behind.

The JAC leader further demanded that the Dhar Construction Company should be blacklisted.

“The state government should blacklist such companies. We expect the project to benefit the people of the area, which has contributed a lot to the revenue of the state government. We also have a landport but with such road conditions it will surely affect the economic interest of the people of the area,” he stated.

CM inspects ongoing projects in WGH

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inspected several ongoing projects with Tura and its adjoining areas in West Garo Hills on Thursday.

He inspected the ongoing construction of the Tura Medical College at Doldegre, about 7 km from Tura town, where Tura Civil Hospital is located.

Reviewing the ongoing construction with officials of health department, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills and officials of the construction company, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the pace of the construction is slow, which has been quickened recently.

“The civil works of the college should be completed by June-July next year. We are hopeful to complete the infrastructure and start the medical college. The process to increase the beds in Tura Civil Hospital will also start soon,” the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister has also directed Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani to hold regular reviews with the construction company and ensure that the college is completed within the coming year.

He also inspected the ongoing construction of Tura Youth Convention Centre, which is coming up at Dakopgre and also the Track and Field Stadium.

Expressing happiness over the ongoing construction of the sports and youth facilities, he said, “We expect that within 1.5 years, the stadium and the convention centre will be inaugurated. These two infrastructures will be a blessing for Tura town and the State as a whole as different kinds of sports, games and events of State and national level can be held in Tura in the near future.”