Indian Express 08.01.2010
Repaired roads develop cracks, MC collects samples
Adding to the plight of commuters, roads in Mohali, which were recarpeted recently, have started developing cracks.
Taking cognisance of the matter, Municipal Council (MC) authorities have started collecting samples of the premix laid on roads.
Alleging a big nexus in development works, the Opposition group of councillors in the MC House has sought a probe by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) in all projects undertaken since September 2006 when the present MC House took charge.
A road in Phase V was constructed last month but area residents allege that work was not undertaken as per the prescribed specifications and quality control, which is evident from the condition of the road.
MC senior vice-president Harman Preet Singh Prince alleged that besides roads, there was a big fraud in the recently undertaken project to fix concrete paver blocks in different parts of the city.
Prince also said that a few months ago, concrete footpaths were constructed at the same sites where concrete pavers blocks were fixed recently.
“The state government pays MC a monthly grant of around Rs 3 crore in lieu of the abolished octroi every month but all the money shown spent on development works is going down the drain,” Prince said.
Municipal Engineer (ME) Purshotam Kumar admitted collecting samples of premix laid on the road in Phase V but attributed it to “routine” exercise.
“We usually get the material tested before making payments of the works and this is part of the routine exercise,” claimed Kumar, while adding that no formal complaint was received yet.
Kumar also refuted the charges of any wrongdoing in other development works, especially paver blocks, which he said were duly approved by the MC House before being executed.
“We are only the execution agency, the power to approve or disapprove any work estimate lies with the MC House, which should check thoroughly before according approval,” he argued, while attributing the charges to factionalism among the rival groups of councillors.
