Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Poor implementation of SPA scheme in Changlang

The Arunachal Times: Itanagar: Wednesday, June 14, 2017.
Several projects like road widening and black topping, construction of concrete steps etc, being taken up by the Changlang Sub Division-I PWD under SPA Scheme 2013-14 within Changlang Township have been found to be incomplete and of substandard quality.
The department under SPA Scheme 2013-14 undertook two projects with a sanctioned amount of Rs 99.5 lakhs each, as part of which a 3.105 Km of road widening, black topping, GSB, construction of retaining/ boundary wall, WBM and CC steps, had to be carried out within the township.
Incomplete Tirap River Bridge to Hydel Tinali road
However, despite the PWD’s submitted report that the said projects have been completed on 31 March, 2016 through judicious use of fund, various places in the township where side approach steps for residential and non-residential buildings from CC pavement were supposed to have been constructed have been found absent. Blacktopping of roads, including Higher Secondary School to New Changlang Village, Jail to Power House in PWD Complex, and DC office to Agriculture Colony have not been completed, while CC step at PWD Complex to Changlang Khimiyang Road, DIO residence to Kakoty colony, CK road to DMO office etc, have not been constructed either.
Lately, there has been public outcry over non-completion of the said projects and an FIR has also been lodged with the Changlang Police Station by Phosam Zongsam and Maikhun Mamai against Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer PWD Changlang Sub Division-I for alleged misappropriation of funds under SPA Scheme 2013-14.
Citing RTI documents, the complainants have alleged that gross irregularities were found upon physical verification of the said projects and demanded strict action against the erring officials. They have claimed that the PWD has in its report clearly mentioned that the CC steps and 3.105 Km of road widening and black topping project have been completed. However, they have, on physical verification found that some places have no CC steps, while some of the roads have not been properly blacktopped or even constructed.
On enquiry, the Changlang Sub Division-I PWD AE, P Ngemu has reiterated the department’s stand that all the aforementioned projects have been completed by following all guidelines and there is no question of any irregularities.
Meanwhile, the OC PS Changlang has informed that preliminary enquiry is on regarding the case.