Locals allege poor quality work from WODC fund

The Pioneer, 25th July, 2009

Bikash Khemka Bhawanipatna

As Kalahandi is regarded as a backward district in Orissa, the district’s name was included in Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) for development and funds were released for various development projects. Cores of rupees have been spent in Kalahandi district in the last couple of years. However, the locals of Golamunda Block alleged poor quality works were taken up under WODC funds and other funds.The locals of Golamunda Block informed the District administration and other State Government officials about the poor quality works done by local contractors in WODC, MLALAD, GRPF and SPF. Around Rs 45 lakh of low quality works have been done in connivance with the former MLA and Block chairman of Golamunda and their favourite contractors, alleged the villagers. When BDO Gourachandra Parichha did not allow the illegal practice, he was suspended. Locals are now demanding a high-level inquiry. Kalipur Check Dam estimated at around Rs 10 lakh in Khaliakani GP, Kendupani Check Dam at Rs 10 lakh in Golamunda, Lohren Ghat Check Dam at Rs 5 lakh in Golamunda Block, digging work of a pond at Rs 15 lakh in Haldi Bhati Chowk under Haldi Bhati GP and Jayantpur Check Dam at Rs 5 lakh in Mahaling GP have been alleged as poor quality works from the WODC fund. Besides, locals have also complained about the dismal quality of Liad-Khursud Road in Mahaling GP estimated at Rs 3 lakh released from the MLALAD fund. Surprisingly, among the above works, the Lohren Ghat Check Dam in Golamunda Block projected at around Rs 5 lakh, which is a Minor Irrigation Project, has already been completed by a contractor without any prior permission. When contacted, MI Executive Engineer Mahanandia told The Pioneer that he has not given any permission to the Golamunda BDO to complete the Lohren Ghat Check Dam. Further the Golamunda BDO told that he has not given any work to the contractor to do so. It proves that the contractors are completing the works without permission after getting information about the WODC projects and then get the funds released through the pressure of the MLAs to the Government officials after completion of the work. Reports allege that one officer had even received a phone call from the former MLA to grant permission for the construction of Lohren Ghat Check Dam.The Assistant Project Director of DRDA told The Pioneer that projects worth Rs 5 lakh and above never reaches his table from the WODC fund. It is further reported that though the WODC projects are not tendered, sometimes it is partly distributed as high-value work as it is subjected to the local MLA’s recommendation. This corrupt practice is definitely going to continue whosoever becomes the MLA. The entire system has therefore to be reformed for impartial distribution of the WODC works otherwise it will continue like this forever.