Abhishek & Vikramaditya
Mayabunder, 31 July: Mr. Johnson Kerketta, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Chainpur, has submitted a detailed representation to the Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman District, seeking the immediate commencement of the long-pending road shoulder construction work in the Gram Panchayat area and necessary action against the concerned contractor.
According to the representation, the road shoulder work on the stretch approximately 2 km ahead of Gram Panchayat Chainpur towards 40 Acre Village, as well as on the 800–900 metre stretch near the PMAY-G Cluster at Pudumadurai, has not yet commenced. Deep cuts of nearly one foot or more have developed along both sides of the road. During the rainy season, the road becomes extremely slippery, and if a vehicle moves even slightly off the road, there is a serious risk of overturning, posing a grave threat to motorists and the general public.
The Pradhan Mr. J.kerketta stated that this serious issue has been brought to the notice of the concerned department several times through written representations. The matter has also been repeatedly discussed in Gram Sabha meetings, where the local residents unanimously demanded that the work be completed at the earliest. Despite the department conducting site inspections, measurements, preparation of estimates, and completion of the tender process with the contract already awarded, the work has still not begun, causing widespread public dissatisfaction.
He further stated that if a contractor has no intention of commencing the work on time, there is no justification for awarding government contracts to such contractors. Such delays not only affect the implementation of government projects but also block public funds for long periods, ultimately causing hardship to the common people.
The Pradhan has requested the Deputy Commissioner to accord the highest priority to public safety and direct that the pending road shoulder works be commenced within 1–2 weeks. He also urged that appropriate action be initiated against the concerned contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. He further suggested that contractors who fail to commence work within the stipulated time should be subjected to financial penalties, blacklisted if necessary, and that such contracts should be cancelled and awarded to the next eligible bidder.
The Pradhan Mr. J.kerketta cautioned that if timely action is not taken and any serious accident occurs in the future, the concerned department and the contractor responsible for the delay should be held accountable.
Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Chief Engineer, APWD, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and the Executive Engineer, APWD, North & Middle Andaman District, requesting necessary action. Photographs depicting the present condition of the road have also been enclosed with the representation, clearly showing the deep roadside cuts and hazardous conditions that pose a serious danger to road users.
