The government medical college under construction in Wanaparthy district has stirred concerns due to poor supervision by officials. Despite the significant scope of the project, which includes the college, student hostels, and staff quarters, officials have shown negligence in monitoring the work. The total budget allocated for the project is approximately Rs 184 crore.
An agreement signed on October 12, 2022, had set January 11, 2024, as the deadline for completing the college. However, the deadline has now been extended to December 31, 2024, as the work remains incomplete. Worryingly, even with the extended timeline, there has been little to no progress at the construction site. The quality of the work is also reportedly being compromised due to the lack of oversight.
Authorities from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department, who are responsible for supervising the project, appear to be absent from the site. Instead of conducting regular inspections, officials are allegedly managing the project remotely, often relying on phone communication. This absence of direct supervision has raised concerns about the quality of construction materials being used.
Reports suggest that contractors are reducing cement levels and increasing the use of dust in the construction process, which compromises the structural integrity of the buildings. Officials at the Assistant Engineer (AE) and Divisional Engineer (DE) levels are said to be confined to their offices, making only occasional site visits. This hands-off approach raises doubts about the accountability of both the contractors and the R&B department.
The District Collector has instructed that the project be completed by December 31, 2024, but the rush to meet this deadline seems to come at the cost of quality. Observers have noted the use of substandard cement and bricks, which could negatively impact the safety and longevity of the buildings. Despite these issues, officials appear to be turning a blind eye, giving undue leniency to the contractors.
This negligence poses significant risks, not only to the proper utilization of public funds but also to the safety and future utility of the college. The lack of accountability and oversight has become a serious concern for the district, calling for immediate action to ensure the project is completed responsibly.
