Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Aug 25: Chief Engineer Roads and Buildings Department Kashmir Showkat Jeelani Pandit claimed that they are not allowing any usage of sub-standard material in construction of roads.
People have been often complaining about usage of substandard material in construction of roads.
It has been that several roads that were macadamised for the past over a year have also started developing potholes which many claim due to usage of “sub-standard material”.
However, Chief Engineer Roads and Buildings Department Kashmir ruled out allegations about usage of substandard material in construction of roads.
“We are not allowing any usage of substandard material in construction of roads. The testing of material is done at three places. First at plant then at site after which samples are being sent to NIT. The payment is released only when it is found there is no usage of substandard material. If there are any complaints, then we take relevant action against that construction company,” he said.
He said the contractor has to maintain the road for three years only then he can withdraw full payments for his works.
He however said many roads develop potholes during winters due to harsh weather.
“The black topping of roads is a continuous process. We have set a target of macadamising of 1400 kms of roads this year of which 1060 kms have been macadamised so far. We leave few roads un-macadamised where other departments have to do other works like draining or electrical. We macadamise those roads after they (other departments) complete their works,” the Chief Engineer said.
Sources said the government has directed to have regular audit of the roads for their proper and timely maintenance which include all works of routine maintenance/ repair, periodic maintenance, road rehabilitation including pavements, drainage, potholes repair and also maintenance of emergency nature.
The chief engineers have been told to prepare the report on the macadamization of the roads done in the past three years under all sectors along with road length achieved and road-wise status and the action taken by the executive engineers on Defect Liability Period (DLP) damaged roads. (KINS)
