SHILLONG:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has urged the concerning authorities to step up monitoring of the ongoing work under the state’s smart town project, alleging that contractors entrusted with the job are unregistered and have no relevant work experience.
“Smart town projects are sanctioned through a loan but a Right to Information (RTI) has revealed that the works are allotted to the unregistered contractors with no work experience,” alleged Bernard N Marak, BJP leader and member of district council (MDC) from Tura, in a statement released on June 12.
Marak, who had filed the RTI plea into the matter, further said that many localities are complaining about the sub-standard quality of work done by the contractors under the project and called upon the concerning authorities to carry out proper monitoring of the works.
“If not monitored properly, it will be a loss to the people and later, the liability will be too much if the works are not completed as estimated,” he said, stressing the authorities not to compromise with the quality of work in the project. “The works need to be completed in the stipulated time and before drawing the final bill, all of it needs to be approved and certified by the locals,” he further added.
Stressing that since the works have been funded by a loan, Marak further urged the concerning authorities to keep a close watch on the quality of the work as failing to do so will make the repayment of the said loan a liability on the next government.
“The works should be monitored properly. I suggest, it would be better if the works are given to the development committees of each locality. Because, the liability to repay the loan will be on the next government in 2023,” said the BJP leader.
The Tura MDC also urged the development committees to report any complain to the local MDC directly and to coordinate the progress of the work in all localities.
“There have been complaints from different localities which will be monitored and taken up with the police and concerning departments. Public money should not go wasted as liabilities are too high and risky,” he said.