Alleged Use of Undersized Rods Sparks Protest Over Khowai Civic Project
Residents of Ward No. 12 in Khowai Municipal area halted the construction of an Anganwadi Centre boundary wall after alleging irregularities in the use of construction materials.
NETB24
KHOWAI: Construction of a boundary wall at an Anganwadi Centre in the Office Tilla area of Khowai Ward No. 12 was temporarily halted after local residents raised allegations of irregularities in the use of construction materials.
Residents alleged that workers were using 5 mm rods for reinforcement rings instead of 8 mm rods during beam construction. They reportedly intervened after noticing the material being used at the site.
According to local accounts, the contractor subsequently attempted to remove the reinforcement from the freshly cast beam. Residents objected and demanded that the specified material be used for the government project.
The contractor reportedly later brought 8 mm rods to the site following pressure from the local community. Residents then asked the workers to stop the construction until the matter was brought to the attention of the municipal authorities.
The incident has also triggered questions over supervision of civic development projects in Khowai. Residents alleged that engineering officials of the municipal council were not present at the site when the work was being carried out.
The project reportedly concerns the construction of a boundary wall behind the Office Tilla Dharapat Anganwadi Centre, and contractor Rupak Pal has reportedly been assigned the work.
Local residents said they would approach the Khowai Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Chief Executive Officer of the municipal council on Monday and seek an inquiry before construction resumes.
The allegations regarding the quality of materials and any financial irregularity are yet to be officially established. Further action is expected after the authorities examine the matter.
