Guwahati, 25th March: A bridge construction project in Morigaon, which has remained unfinished for nearly 13 years, has emerged as a poignant symbol of inefficiency and mismanagement. Despite repeated assurances, authorities have failed to provide a definitive timeline for its completion, leaving residents disillusioned and frustrated.
One of the glaring aspects of the project’s stagnation is the frequent changing of contractors, with the responsibility shifting hands three times over the course of construction. Adding to the residents’ frustration is the lack of visibility of the officials tasked with overseeing the project, including contractors and officers from the public works department.
The bridge was initially inaugurated with much fanfare by former Nagaon Lok Sabha MP Rajen Gohain, then Congress-led Assam Roads Minister Ajanta Neog, and Morigaon MLA Jonjonali Baruah. However, the promises made during its inauguration have yet to materialize, leaving locals to grapple with the consequences of its incomplete status.
Each year during the monsoon season, the absence of the bridge exacerbates the plight of residents, leading to incidents of cattle and human casualties due to flooding. The community’s plea for prompt action and completion of the bridge has fallen on deaf ears, prompting questions about accountability and responsibility.
Residents are now urging the government to intervene and expedite the project’s completion to mitigate the ongoing hardships faced by the community. However, as the project’s delays persist, deeper questions arise regarding the root cause of the prolonged construction, whether it be technical shortcomings, corrupt practices within the public works department, or a combination of both. The need for transparency and accountability in addressing these concerns has become increasingly imperative as the community awaits resolution.