IMPHAL, Jul 28: The work progress of Imphal Sewerage Project is unsatisfactory and the department officials are having a hard time pursuing the contractors, said PHED minister TN Haokip while replying to a query raised by MLA L. Nandakumar regarding the incomplete pipe laying works of the sewerage project along the RIMS Road during the question and answer hour of the Assembly session held today.

The minister further stated that the total length of pipe laying works along the RIMS Road is 1,273.82 running metres and five contractors are currently undertaking the works. So far 533.23 running meters of pipe laying works have been completed, he said while adding that the said works could not be completed timely owing to the shortage of materials required for the project.

TN Haokip also said that the department would try to complete all pipe laying works of the sewerage project by 2010 and appealed to the people to bear the inconveniences for some more time.

Further, responding to a query regarding the condition of the roads and side drains, the minister clarified that repairing the damaged roads is the job of the PWD while repairing of damaged drainage is the responsibility of the PHED.

Regarding the sub-standard construction works of Moirang CHC, MLA M. Prithiviraj stated that the ceilings of the operation theatre of the CHC may collapse anytime, possibly even during operations, and cause heavy casualties. The concerned department should closely monitor the quality of works of the said CHC, he said.

Replying to the query raised by Prithiviraj, the health minister stated that the construction works of Moirang CHC is being undertaken by MDS and all necessary payments have been made for the construction works which included construction of toilet, compound wall, renovation of existing toilet, extension of OT, construction of blood storage facility, construction of septic tank, land development, renovation of staff quarter, construction of plinth protection of staff quarters and upgradation of toilet block which is still to be undertaken.

The minister also assured that necessary action would be taken up against the defaulting contractors.

Further, during the question and hour session MLA Dr. Ng. Bijoy stated that right from the inception CADA has failed to provide irrigation channels in the fields located in the rural areas of Khurai A/C and its adjoining areas.

Clarifying on this matter, CADA minister Ph. Parijat stated that the objective and implementation policy of CADA is to distribute the water from various irrigation projects in a proper manner. The department is presently working on a small budget and so it is unable to cover vast areas in the state, he said. However, it has been successfully working in some areas where RLI schemes have been implemented, he added.

Parijat further asserted the department is setting a target to provide CCA 15650 hectare out of CCA 28745 hectare and construct 2608 pucca channel.

While answering to a question raised by MLA, N. Mangi on the RLI scheme, the minor irrigation minister stated that the department would try to implement the RLI schemes effectively for better irrigation purposes in the state. The department is targeting to take 165 RLI schemes at an estimated cost of Rs. 14,587.05 lakhs extensively both in all the hills and valley constituencies.

MLA, T. Hangkhanpao also urged the concerned education minister to improve the Singhat Government High School before the beginning of new academic session of 2011.

Regarding a query from Khangthuang Panmei, the works minister stated that the PWD is working to improve the condition of IT Road which is an important connecting road for Tamenglong district.