ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The Seppa-Chayang Tajo Road Steering Committee on Tuesday held a meeting with Public Works Department (PWD) (Western Zone) Chief Engineer Katung Wahge, here at his office and placed a one-point demand against Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd.
Joined by members of the East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) and Panchayati Raj Institution of Chayang Tajo circle, the committee in its one-point demand, made it clear that till the legitimacy of Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd is established, the PWD should refrain from issuing any further payments to the company.
Earlier, in its representation to the governor on Monday, the committee sought his intervention into the alleged violation of norms concerning work agreement made between the government officials and Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd pertaining to the construction of the Seppa-Chayang Tajo road in East Kameng district.
“As per a letter dated 02.02.2017, the PWD chief engineer (WZ) sought final approval of signing of supplementary agreement between Gammon India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to execute the 81 km stretch of Seppa-Chayang Tajo road. But the government officials allegedly entered into agreement of contract with a third party, Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd,” said the committee.
Chief Engineer Katung Wahge, who himself seemed to be unaware about the company’s legality, however, assured the committee that his office shall verify the facts soon.
“We will look into the matter and verify the company’s details,” he said.
Assuring the committee that he is sincerely committed to the completion of the Seppa-Chayang Tajo road project, the chief engineer though explaining out the legal intricacies, said that the department cannot in any circumstances hold back the payments against the work done by the company.
“We have to abide by the rules prescribed in the contractual agreement. Hence, we can’t hold back the payments,” he said.
He however guaranteed that payments will be made only for the quality work done.
The chief engineer further informed that he will personally visit the site to inspect the ground reality after 31 March, as is the deadline for the completion of the Seppa-Chayang Tajo road. It was also hinted that strict actions would follow after the inspection.
“If any discrepancies are found from the officers and contractors then I will deal with them according to the contractual agreement,” he added.
