IMPHAL, February 19: Foundation stone for the construction of a single lane 170 feet long Konuma Bailey Bridge over Manipur River was laid today by Minister Works & Transport Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh in the presence of MLA Hiyanglam A/c E Dwijamani Singh.
Minister works Dr Ratankumar as chief guest of the foundation stone laying ceremony organised by Public Works Department, Manipur said that this was an auspicious day for both Mayang Imphal and Hiyanglam constituencies.
He said people of Konuma of Hiyanglam Constituency used to face problems just as the villages on the other side of the river did, during medical emergencies and ceremonial occasions in the absence of a bridge.
He further mentioned that construction or installation of five bailey bridges connecting Mayang Imphal and Hiyanglam constituencies have already been reviewed and finalised under the leadership of state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh which will be handed over to the public for better connectivity.
He said that each bailey bridge is estimated to be around Rs 5 crores and added that though the state has no abundant fund, with the good guideline and leadership of Chief Minister, the Government will leave no stone unturned to bring development and better future to the State.
The Works Minister also stated that the Government is committed to give public better connectivity and hence the state highways will be upgraded with mechanised black topping soon after the 13th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
For the upgrade of State Highways, he said funds will be acquired from Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) instituted with NABARD.
He said soon state highways including Imphal to Saikul, Imphal to Yairipok, Moirang to Kakching, Saikul to Sagolmang and Lamsang to Sekmai will be broadened and face-lifted.
He later called for cooperation from the public for swift progress in the developmental works for better future of Manipur.
The foundation laying ceremony of Konuma Bailey Bridge was also attended by PWD Chief Engineer M Lokendro Singh, PWD Addl Chief Engineer (Bridge Division) Kh Temba Singh, other officials of PWD and local leaders of the Konuma.