Allegations of Substandard Materials in Deori PWD Roadworks; Officials Silent

Concerns Over Substandard Materials in Road Repairs

In the Deori region of Sagar district, allegations have surfaced regarding the use of substandard materials by the Public Works Department (PWD) in road repair projects. Local residents claim that the contractor is failing to adhere to prescribed standards in filling potholes, repairing culverts, and constructing boundary walls along the roads.

Residents report that the construction involves dusty soil, low-grade local aggregate, and cement from a local company. Specifically, newly repaired sections on the Deori to Barah and Puranachowki road, and the Barah to Richhai village road, have already begun showing cracks in the roads, culverts, and boundary walls due to the use of inferior quality materials.

The repairs, according to locals, have deteriorated rapidly, raising concerns about the misuse of government funds. The quality of the repair work is facing serious questions.

Quality of Roadworks Under Scrutiny

Local citizens have expressed deep concern over the matter, emphasizing the critical need for quality materials in road construction and repair. They allege that rules and established standards are being disregarded.

Even the boundary walls constructed on both sides of the roads have reportedly used substandard materials, leading to immediate cracking. Consequently, residents are demanding that senior officials from the relevant department immediately visit the site and conduct a thorough investigation into the quality of construction materials.

Citizens state that if irregularities are found, strict action should be taken against the responsible contractor and the officials involved. It is also alleged that local PWD officials remain silent on this entire issue, having offered no official response thus far.

Officials' and Contractor's Stance

When contacted, U.S. Tiwari, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Public Works Department, stated, "We have instructed the contractor to carry out remedial work properly. Don't publish news next time." This statement suggests the department is aware of the quality issues but has limited its response to warning the contractor rather than taking punitive action.

"We have instructed the contractor to carry out remedial work properly. Don't publish news next time.\” - U.S. Tiwari, SDO, PWD

Meanwhile, the contractor for the construction work, Rakesh Guru, remarked, "The construction work is proceeding as it should, under the supervision of all officials." This statement raises questions: if the work is being supervised by officials, how is substandard material being used, and why are officials not taking action?

"The construction work is proceeding as it should, under the supervision of all officials." - Rakesh Guru, Contractor

As of the time of reporting, no detailed or official response has been received from the concerned PWD officials regarding this matter.