Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) on Tuesday alleged serious irregularities in the construction of the Ramrikawn–Sakawrtuichhun road linking National Highway-54 and demanded action against those responsible for what it described as substandard work and excessive extraction of stone materials.
Addressing reporters after inspecting the road, MPYCC vice-president Lalsanglura Sailo alleged that the project had been executed poorly and accused the state government of failing to ensure quality control.
“If the government does not take appropriate action against those responsible, including the contractor and officials concerned, the Youth Congress will continue to pursue the matter,” Sailo said.
He alleged that the project was linked to Vanchunglura, a member of the ZPM Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and a close associate of Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
According to Sailo, the project was initially processed through a restricted tender despite the ZPM’s earlier electoral promise to avoid such practices except in exceptional circumstances. He claimed that although the tender process had been completed, the work order was subsequently cancelled following objections and criticism.
Sailo further alleged that the project was later executed as a departmental work despite concerns over compliance with the General Financial Rules and the PWD Manual. He claimed that the arrangement allowed the work to be carried out without following standard contracting procedures.
The Youth Congress leader said more than Rs 4 crore had been allocated for the road project and alleged that it became one of the largest works to be undertaken through the departmental work route under the present government.
He further alleged that the contractor failed to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe and that the quality of construction was poor. According to Sailo, the stone materials used for the road were substandard, drainage provisions were inadequate, construction deadlines were missed, and quality test results were unsatisfactory.
Referring to remarks allegedly made during a recent internal ZPM meeting, Sailo claimed that concerns over the quality of the project had also been raised by Aizawl West-I MLA and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Finance), TBC Lalvenchhunga.
“The condition of the road is the result of an improper work allocation process, favouritism and the awarding of work to individuals who are not professional contractors,” Sailo alleged.
He further claimed that the government had lost GST revenue due to the manner in which the work was executed and alleged that the project failed to meet any of the eight key parameters laid down by the Public Works Department for road construction.
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