Shillong, Sep 22: The Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) has accused the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) of providing misleading facts with regards to the highway expansion work along the Rongram-Goeragre-Chitoktak road.
Not convinced with the response of the NHIDCL, the ASPF has demanded for an official joint inspection with the NHIDCL, district administration, NGOs, land owners and technical experts.
The ASPF had earlier complained against inadequate compensation made to landowners, land being illegally dug up, harassment and intimidation of villagers by contractors and workers.
The organisation said only a transparent inspection can fairly establish the condition of the road construction, drainage, culverts, retaining wall and compensation disbursement.
It said the NHIDCL denied construction failures along the road but social media and public documentation of landslides due to shoddy work are evident.
Besides publishing project progress, costs, and laboratory tests results and to establish a public tracker, the ASPF has demanded imposition of strict penalties and blacklisting proven fraud or substandard work.
“The people of Garo Hills are not against development. However, development must not come at the cost of exploitation, humiliation and unsafe infrastructure,” the ASPF said.
The organisation said it will stick to its demand for fair compensation, proper engineering works, accountability on contractors, joint inspection, transparent audits and respect for the rights and dignity of local communities.
