A residential school that was sanctioned in 2014 was left abandoned with no signs of construction, except for construction iron rods that has now turned into support for climbing plants.
The residential school in Raja Ronggat village under Chokpot C&RD Block in the South Garo Hills district was sanctioned in August, 2014 for an amount of over Rs 2.53 crores. As per the work order provided, the contract for the project went to one Ruthila Marak of Gasuapara in the same district.
However locals reported that despite the passage of over seven years, the site has remained abandoned with only a few pillars planted at the site. Further the project was apparently being done by another person.
Social activist and president of the Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF), Greneth Sangma raised the issue after villagers informed him of the lack of work on the project which, according to them, would have been a life changer.
A complaint was raised with the Executive Engineer (EE) of PWD, West Garo Hills by residents of the village of Demdamgre where the school was to be constructed. When we went to the site, we just found a few places where rooms should have been filled with water and 2-3 pillars set up. This is absolutely condemnable and the authorities need to answer for what happened,” said Greneth.
The activist questioned as to why more serious action on the neglect by the contractor in question was not taken by the PWD as the department had the onus of ensuring the project was completed in time.
“We are not sure as to what happened but something that could have changed the futures of so many children and their parents has been left to rot. Someone has to answer for what happened and why the school is yet to be completed,” he felt.
The CRF president has decided that the matter was something that has to be picked up on and an investigation sought into the issue.
“We are going to meet the DC and PWD department on this as this is extremely condemnable to say the least. We want to know if any money has been withdrawn and if it has, why the work has remained incomplete. Further this project has to be taken up for the sake of the community and action has to be taken if any kind of misappropriation is found,” said the CRF president.
The district administration and the PWD could not be contacted on the matter.
