Assam Water Project

Guwahati, June 13: Assam Minister Ashok Singhal’s impromptu visit to the JICA Water Supply Project office at Kharguli sheds light on the repeated pipe burst incidents in Guwahati. The minister expressed his disappointment at the lack of attention given to this critical project, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Guwahati has been plagued by a series of pipe burst incidents, raising concerns about the quality and management of the water supply project. Three notable cases have been reported so far, with one tragic incident in Kharguli resulting in the loss of life and causing injuries to multiple individuals.

Additional pipe bursts occurred in Maligaon and Commerce Point, Rajghar, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Guwahati Jal Board, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is responsible for implementing the city-wide water supply project.

However, recent events have cast a shadow on the efficiency and accountability of the project. A contractor affiliated with JICA was recently apprehended following the unfortunate death of a class 11 student in an accident caused by neglected potholes near Ganeshguri.

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These potholes were left unaddressed by the contractors after the installation of the water supply pipes, leading to hazardous conditions.

In response to the latest pipe burst incident, Minister Ashok Singhal visited the JICA Water Supply Project office at Kharguli early in the morning.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, the minister criticized the negligence displayed by those in charge of managing the project. He called for swift repairs to the damaged pipes and emphasized the importance of providing relief to the affected residents without delay.

The surprise visit by Assam Minister Ashok Singhal has drawn attention to the alarming negligence in the JICA Water Supply Project. The repeated pipe burst incidents and the unfortunate accidents caused by neglected infrastructure raise serious concerns about the quality of work and project management.

It is crucial for the authorities involved to take immediate action, address the underlying issues, and ensure the safety and well-being of the public. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in public infrastructure projects to safeguard the lives and interests of the citizens.