Contractor suspended for not filling potholes

For the first time this monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cracked the whip on a contractor who failed to fill potholes in parts of the western suburbs.

For the first time this monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cracked the whip on a contractor who failed to fill potholes in parts of the western suburbs.

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The company, Atasha Aashirwaad Builders Anjani Logistics STGJV, was assigned to use the jetpatcher technology in four wards, including areas like Kandivali, Goregaon and Andheri.

The company has been suspended for 15 days.

“The contractor did not have efficient labourers and proper machinery. We gave warnings and extension of 10-15 days but they did not show any result,” said SVR Srinivas, additional municipal commissioner, BMC, adding that this is the first step taken to ensure that contractors are not spared.

The decision was taken on July 12. The BMC will also penalise the contractor. “We have asked another contractor to fill the potholes. Already around 100 potholes have been filled,” he added.

HT has consistently been reporting on the increasing number potholes on city’s roads, commuters’ complaints and the corporation’s lackadaisical attitude.

A senior official from the roads department said: “We are yet to decide whether to continue with the contractor after 15 days.”

The BMC’s road engineers are equally responsible, why are they protected?” said Andheri-based activist Hina Shroff.