Work on pedestrian path at Saproon comes to a halt

The work on pedestrian path at Saproon has come to a standstill after the contractor abandoned it midway, citing “lack” of funds.

The work was slated be completed within three months, however, nothing moved on the ground since the past six weeks.

Its foundation stone was laid by Minister for Health and Family Welfare DR Shandil and Urban Development Department Vikramaditya Singh in January. Five bidders had applied for the work, which was awarded for Rs 18 lakh.

Former Deputy Mayor and councillor Rajiv Kaura, who had got the path sanctioned, confirmed that the work had come to a standstill. He added that the issues raised by the contractor would be sorted out soon.

No pedestrian path or slip road had been set aside after the construction of the four-lane highway. Though a slip road was constructed later to provide residents a convenient approach to the highway, a pedestrian path was yet to be constructed.

The Residents’ Welfare Society, Housing Board Colony, Kamal Orchards Residents’ Welfare Society and Kleen Sewa Samiti had aggressively pitched for this path.

The issue concerned a population of several thousands who reside in Kleen, Housing Board and Saproon areas. The 70-m path will be constructed after the laying of iron bars and constructing a retaining wall along the road.

Commissioner Ekta Kapta said the contractor abandoned the work stating that he had exhausted the sanctioned amount and would not be able to complete the project without additional funds. She said it was a procedural issue and would be sorted out soon.