Ashrayan project: Construction of 88 houses halted over irregularities
Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Shahgir Alam has halted the construction work of two shelter projects after finding severe irregularities.
He instructed the authorities to stop the construction works of 88 houses at two Ashrayan projects -- at Khalapara and Ghagutia villages in Akhaura upazila -- on Thursday after a day-long visit to those project sites.
Talking to The Daily Star, the DC said a three-member probe committee, headed by ADC (revenue) Ashraf Ahmed Rassel, was formed to investigate the irregularities.
"Iron rods used in the constructions were not provided as per the work schedule. Even thin wire was used instead of iron rods. The gap between two rods was not made according to the work order. Moreover, the quality of bricks, sand and cement were too poor," said the DC.
According to sources, the DC went to those project sites suddenly taking the mason and his assistant with him.
Inspecting the irregularities, he ordered to demolish parts of the buildings.
The DC later ordered to stop the construction of the 88 houses.
He reprimanded the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO), assistant commissioner (land) and project implementation officer (PIO) of the upazila, said villagers and public representatives who were on the spot.
During the DC's visit, locals and public representatives alleged that UNO Rumana Akter had given the contract of 169 houses to Nuruzzaman Bhuiyan, the upazila unit president of Swechchhasebak League.
At that time, the PIO Tapash Chakrabarty said although the UNO was informed about the irregularities earlier, she did not pay heed to the issue.
Contacted, UNO Rumana Akhter said she did not expect the concerned contractors to do such irregularities.
Contacted, DC Shahgir Alam said he had visited several shelter projects in the upazila.
No irregularities will be allowed in this project. If any irregularity or negligence of any officer is found in this regard, departmental actions will be taken against him/her, he warned.