A civil contractor levelling serious allegation against some Minor Irrigation (MI) officials said he was not given extension of time to complete a project as he couldn’t pay percentage (PC) commission.
Super class contractor Kamalakanta Panda said he was awarded a contract for a project of around Rs 6.82 crore for renovation of Rissia irrigation project. For renovation of 18 km canal, Panda was awarded contract in December last year and the duration for completion was 11 months, ie November 30, 2017.
According to the contractor, he could complete only about 10 per cent of the project of a cost around Rs 70 lakh till date due to various bottlenecks. Non availability of construction materials was primary reasons for delay in beginning the works and other reasons too attributed for his failure to maintain the timeline.
“I was assured that the chips and boulders can be obtained from the local quarries of Nilgiri, yet due to restriction of the Forest department, the materials were to brought from elsewhere which consumed about 3 months time. Then came the Panchayat poll and for the reason the department directed to stop the work till completion of elections. Again in the month of July, water was released into the canal for irrigating fields . Under these constraints, I could do only 900 metres of 18 km length so far,” Panda said.
“Apprehending that the project wouldn’t be completed within the deadline, on October 10, I wrote a letter to the department urging to extend the period for another six months. Initially, it was agreed, yet subsequently, they turned it down as I couldn’t pay the commission which was demanded. I’m yet to get 50 per cent of my expenditure,” he said, claiming that he has proof of his allegation. He further added that he would seek legal relief on the issue.
On the other hand, a MI department official said that since Panda could complete only about 10 per cent of the project within a year, another six months won’t suffice the requirement. He might complete 60 per cent of the work and pray for further extension of period.
Meanwhile, he clarified that no commission was demanded.
"The contractor could complete only about 10 per cent of the project. No one demanded any gratification from him. A fresh tender would be floated for the project," said MIP SDO Sisir Mohanty.