The recent rains have exposed the substandard quality of roadworks that have been executed in Balangir town. A pointer to this is the stretch from Women’s College Chack to Rajendra College Chack passing through the Rajendrapada locality.
The road is replete with potholes although it was laid a few months back by the Rural Development Department at the cost of Rs 50 lakh. Being one of the busiest roads in the town, work on this road had begun in November last and was completed in June this year. The road, used by residents of Palace Line lane, Sagarpada and Officers’ Colony, was closed for eight months for construction works.
“As it was closed for such a long time we had expected that the quality of the road would be good. However, it was completely washed away during the rains,” said Mahaveer Pattnaik, a resident of Rajendrapada.
Accusing the officials of the department and contractor concerned of substandard work, the locals have demanded action against them.
Executive Engineer of Rural Works division, Balangir, Bibhudenddra Meher, admitted to low quality of work and promised action against errant officials and contractor who was awarded the work.