Senthil Kumar
Rangat, Nov 30: Prone to cyclones and floods, a cluster of villages in Rangat, Middle Andaman continues to bear with administrative lethargy over persistent demand for construction of a common community shelter. A significant population in Sabari, Sitapur and Dashrathpur villages under Tehsil Rangat become homeless during monsoons as rainwater inundate their homes, destroy crops, kills livestock.
The demand for construction of a community hall (to serve as relief camp) surfaced some years ago and administrative clearances at almost all levels were obtained in the year 2009. Sadly, the partially constructed structure has been left to rot by a private agency. Sources claim public unrest is gradually brewing and a massive agitation is becoming imminent in the region.
According to sources, the Zilla Parishad sanctioned the project for construction of a community hall at Sabari village as an estimated cost of Rs 2.26 lakh in the month of March 2009. Tenders were floated and the lowest bidder was awarded the project with a deadline of 8 months for completion. Advance payments were also reportedly released to the contractor. However despite a lapse of over five years, the construction of the community hall has not been completed and the unfinished structure comprising only iron rods has been left to rust by the private agency.
“The contractor is no more interested to carry on the work. But the Zilla Parishad has initiated no action against the contractor for violating the provisions of the work contract. Agitated villagers approached the Zilla Parishad umpteen times with the request to urge the contractor to complete the construction without any further delay.
However, their pleas fell on deaf ears and the Zilla Parishad appears to be in connivance with the contractor. Furious villagers are planning an agitation to press for their demands and a letter has been sent to the Lt. Governor in this regard,” said some fuming villagers urging Andaman Sheekha to highlight the issue in the media.
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