Taking serious note of the inordinate delay and improper implementation of the 24/7 drinking water supply project by construction giant Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) in Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Hubballi, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Kalaburagi in-charge Priyank Kharge announced that the government is exploring legal action against the company.
Kharge speaking in Kalburgi stated that the issue would be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting, where a decision on the action to be taken against L&T would be made.
“L&T’s work on the 24/7 drinking water supply projects in Hubballi, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi is unsatisfactory. The company has recklessly dug city roads and has not properly filled them after laying the water pipes,” Mr. Kharge said. “I requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to consider legal action against the company. The Chief Minister preferred to summon the company officials and discuss the matter once again, as the water supply projects are crucial for three municipal corporations.
He emphasized the need to consider the adverse effects of taking sudden legal action without making alternative arrangements for water supply. “Words are not sufficient for these people [the L&T officials]. They deserve stringent legal action. Holding the lower-level engineers in the company accountable and reprimanding them is not effective. Removing all ongoing projects from the company and preventing it from participating in future tender processes can teach a lesson. There are some government officials who draw their salaries from taxpayers’ money but work for the company. Such officials will also be dealt with sternly,” Mr. Kharge said.
L&T is a world class multi dimensional company, including EPC. It follows ethical practices, and all quality systems. Here what happened is a doubt. But any day any time, it’s the politicians who generally create trouble in the name of kickbacks and monetary gains.
Minister is waiting for what to take action against the corrupt government officials, as he claims he knows who they are.
Minister must be encouraged to take the bold action.
Public has read many statements like this in the past but no action from govts.