The pathetic condition of newly constructed roads under SHDP scheme, Umarkote-Papadahandi-Yerla (PUY), is a common sight.
There are allegations that the PWD contractors engaged in the work openly flout road construction norms and are not maintaining the quality of the work. A large portion of the roads has been constructed as per the wish of the contractors and not according to the specifications laid down by the PWD, alleged Jyotindar Swain, a local denizen.
Some residents of Sanabharandi village claimed that though a road in their locality was constructed only a couple of weeks back, it did not look to be new and the road users did not get any satisfaction. The quality was compromised to such an extent that the new road was no better than its earlier shape.
Sources said the administration has proposed to widen the road to 33 feet, but the measurement is not the same for all locations in the town. This dissimilar measurement in widening the road has not only raised eyebrows but also created doubts on the efficacy of the project. It seems the administration buckled under pressure from some influential persons and politicians having vested interest therein.
The highway in the town has turned utterly dusty. When a vehicle passes through the roads, suddenly a cloud of dusts appears creating much inconvenience to the passersby. Environmentalist Narayan Sahu said there is a provision of sprinkling water on the road so that dust gets settled down, but the contractors avoid it. It not only pollutes the town’s air, but also poses health threat to people residing here.
Though the PWD officials are claiming that they are cleaning the road regularly and sprinkling water on it, but the real situation is different. The residents have threatened to hold an agitation if the problem is not sorted out, said advocate of Umarkote bar Ashok Padhy.