'Bridge construction will complete in 2008'

Ariyalur, Aug 5: The ongoing construction of a bridge costing Rs 2.03 crore across the Anaivari Odai, near here would be completed this year, according to Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology A Raja.

Talking to newspersons here yesterday, he said out of Rs 2.03 crore sanctioned for the project, Rs 1.78 crore was released so far.

The cost escalation in construction materials, continuous rains and tardy issuance of clearance certificates were reasons for the time over-run, he added.

Mr Raja criticised the contractor for delaying the project and emphasised that the work should be completed by December 2008.

The Minister later inaugurated a three-classroom building constructed with the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan(SSA) fund of Rs 4.95 lakh at the Government Higher Secondary School in Kurichikulam village in Senthurai taluk.

A sum of Rs 12 crore had been spent last year on improving infrastructure in schools with NABARD assistance in Perambalur District, he said, adding, Rs ten crore was allocated for this year.

UNI