Prestone Tynsong, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Meghalaya has ruled out an investigation into the alleged poor quality construction of the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawlai Mawiong, but has stated that any errors should be punished.
According to him, the authorities only release the bills for all projects after they are pleased with the work quality.
“There is no need to discuss inquiry,” Tynsong, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, remarked. We should discuss how to improve it (ISBT), as well as whether or not it has to be fixed or rebuilt.”
People are quick to blame the contractor, he says, but the government has a mechanism in place. After inspecting everything on the ground, he ordered the invoices should be made by the sub-divisional officer and junior engineer.
“We are not technical experts, but laymen,” he explained, “therefore we have kept them to supervise work.”
He previously noted that allegations can be filed at any moment, but that more investigation is required. He further stated that PWD (Buildings) was in charge of the work and that it was responsible for the problem.
He stated that the government has a framework in place that will investigate what occurred at the ISBT and make rapid corrections if necessary.
Recently, videos and photographs circulated that showed the one-year-old ISBT already having cracks and leaking ceilings, raising concerns about the quality of labor that went into its construction.
The state BJP stated that it would compile a report and transmit it to the national party leadership for action.
After undertaking an inspection of the ISBT here on Thursday, BJP leader and former cabinet minister Alexander Laloo Hek briefed the media. Members of the monitoring committee were present with him.
“We will submit a report to the national government as well as the North Eastern Council, which has sponsored the project with Rs.48.31 crore,” Hek remarked to reporters.
He also asked the authorities to prioritize people’s safety, emphasizing that if anything goes wrong, the state’s reputation will be harmed.
