ITANAGAR, Apr 9: The repair and re-carpeting work on the Itanagar-Jote road in Papum Pare district is progressing at a snail’s pace.
Though the work started in December last year, the desired result is far from being achieved. The work is being executed by the PWD Doimukh division.
The department has not completed re-carpeting even upto Gekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake), which is a popular tourist spot. With monsoon just days away, questions are being raised over the slow pace of work.
“First of all, work quality is not up to mark. Secondly, the PWD should at least complete re-carpeting upto Gekar Sinyi. Lakhs of tourists from across India visit this place. But the road condition leading upto the lake has not improved much,” said a resident of Itanagar.
The road, measuring 24 km from Gohpur Tinali to Jote, is being renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore.
PWD Doimukh Division Executive Engineer Nabam Tado said that work on 13.7 km stretch of the road has been taken up as per the fund provided by the state government. He informed that 60% of the work has been completed, and that his department is monitoring the progress of work.
Tado said he has issued instruction to the contractor to strictly maintain quality.
When asked about drainage system, he said there is no provision for RCC drainage. He added, however, that kucha drain will be constructed along the road “as per requirement, wherever necessary.”
Tado claimed that the work progress is not slow, since the completion period is 1 year as per the tender agreement and only 5 months have passed.
“Seven months are still remaining,” he said.
He expressed hope that the work would be competed as per the terms and conditions in the agreement signed by the department and the contractor.
The Itanagar-Jote road is a major lifeline for the people of Sangdupota circle, and also for students of the NIT, the Government Law College, etc.
