Tentulikhunti: MP Balabhadra Majhi has expressed his displeasure over the delay in the construction of an Eklavya Model Residential School at Hirimi Chhak, under Pujariguda Panchayat in Tentulikhunti block of Nabarangpur district.
During his visit on Sunday to inspect the progress of the construction, the MP found that despite the project being initiated before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 50% of the work has been completed so far. Additionally, no information board displaying project details, estimated cost, or timeline has been installed at the construction site, which further frustrated the MP. He strongly criticized the engineers and contractors responsible for the project.
According to standard regulations, an information board must be placed at the site before starting any government developmental work. However, even after three years since the start of the Eklavya School project, no such board has been put up. Furthermore, no engineers were present at the site for supervision, with only a supervisor overseeing the construction work.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the use of substandard materials, including low-quality sand and fly ash bricks. Local residents have complained that proper curing of the construction has not been carried out. Expressing his dissatisfaction, MP Majhi stated that while the project was supposed to be completed by September 2024, only 50% of the work has been done so far. He blamed the negligence of the contractors for depriving local students of their education.
Students from the block were supposed to stay and study at the Eklavya School by now, but the delay due to the contractor’s carelessness has led to this unfortunate situation. The MP has issued strict warnings to the contractors and engineers, demanding that they expedite the work.
When questioned, the contractor and engineers revealed that the project is being carried out with an estimated budget of ₹16.14 crore. They assured that the information board would be installed within two days. Meanwhile, there is a growing demand for a high-level inquiry into the project.