Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 24: In northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district, the construction of a bridge at Frasdob area has been stopped owing to lack of funds as the contractor alleged that he has not received any payment from the department so far.
The 13-meter bridge connecting Chhitterbanday and Aragam is awaiting completion from last seven years and locals alleged that the lackadaisical approach of the Government has stalled the construction work on the much needed connecting link. The locals said they have reached to the higher authorities for its completion, but their complaints were never heard.
“The contractor has stopped work on the bridge. We are facing problems especially the students who have to take a different route to reach their schools in the town,” said Iqbal Ahmad, a local.
The bridge would benefit surrounding villages of Frasdob, Krisal, Gorihajin, Budinaar and Chanpal. The locals alleged that due to non-availability of the bridge they are forced to use a rickety makeshift bridge. “The existing bridge is damaged and is not fit to use. It can break anytime and put lives of commuters in danger”, a local said.
“Initially the Department of Rural Engineering Wing was supposed to carry the construction work and an amount of Rs 16.75 lakh was released by the department in the year 2010. But it was handed over to the PMGSY because of the slow pace of work”, an official at Rural Engineering Wing Department( REW) said. However, officials at PMGSY said the project was never handed over to them and blamed miscommunication for the chaos over the ownership.
The contractor alleged lack of funds forced him to leave the work midway. “I have not received funds for the project and that the department owes me Rs. 4.84 lakh for the work done so far”, the contractor said.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Sajjad Hussain Ganie confirmed that a team was sent to the spot and estimates for the pending work have been prepared. “The estimate will be sent to the higher authorities for further action”, he said, adding hopefully that the department will take a call shortly.
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