Post News Network
Khurda, August 31: Parts of an under-construction school building at Baghamari collapsed late Sunday night due to alleged substandard work.
According to sources, the lintel and pillars of the verandah of Raghunath Dev High School under Begunia block caved in. The asbestos and grille of the school building were also damaged, raising suspicion about poor quality of construction work and materials used in construction.
Sources said Rs 25 lakh was sanctioned under Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhya Abhiyan for construction of five classrooms in the school. Allegations flew thick and fast after the collapse incident that the junior engineer responsible for the construction had not been monitoring the work properly.
Chakradhar Paikray, a resident of Baghamari, said: “In spite of allegations from several quarters that the work was substandard and not being monitored properly, the lapses were allowed to remain. The damaged parts of the school building must be rebuilt and punitive action must be taken against both the JE and the contractor”.
Headmistress of the school, Jajeswari Rayjame, said she had also raised the issue of poor quality work, but the contractor did not pay heed to it. She also said that she had informed it to the DEO.