A group of contractors working on major infrastructure projects commissioned by the Rajshahi City Corporation on Wednesday announced a halt to all their construction works, including flyovers, markets and roads, for an indefinite period in protest at alleged non-payment of bills.
They made the announcement at a rally held on Rajshahi-Naogaon highway in Sapura area in Rajshahi city on Wednesday afternoon.
Addressing the rally, contractors alleged that RCC secretary Rumana Afroze had kept nearly 250 bill files pending on her desk for the past two and a half months, citing no proper reason.聽 As a result, around Tk 100 crore in dues for 15 contractors remained unpaid, they alleged.
Contractor Rezaul Karim said that at a press conference on Sunday they requested the RCC authorities to release their pending bills.
鈥榊et, the authorities took no initiative and didn鈥檛 even feel the need to talk to us. As a result, we do not have any choice but to halt the construction work,鈥� he said.
Another contractor Salahuddin Gazi said that the construction work of multiple projects, including four flyovers and six markets, was underway in the city.
鈥榃e operate on a monthly billing system, but the newly appointed RCC chief executive officer, Rezaul Karim, and secretary Rumana Afroze are not clearing any bills. Labourers are now raiding our homes demanding wages, and we are unable to even step outside,鈥� he alleged.
Engineer Shakilur Rahman Shakil, another contractor, said that the stalled payments were not only slowing down the pace of construction work but also causing public safety hazards and environmental pollution.
鈥楻ajshahi is known as a green city. If this continues, that reputation will be in jeopardy,鈥� he said, adding that even during the past autocratic regime, they were not treated in such a way.
The contractors also announced to hold a rally in front of the city corporation headquarters Nagar Bhaban where construction workers would also join to press home their demand.
RCC secretary Rumana Afroze could not be reached over phone for comment despite repeated attempts.
