Politics of unfinished bridges
The respected Senior Assistant Editor of DS in the above titled piece mentioned that the PWD, RHD and WDB carry out the task of construction of bridges, in places not necessary, due to political desire of the local MPs. There are factual errors in it. First, the PWD is not concerned with construction of bridges, it is mainly the job of RHD and sometimes WDB. Both the organisations are not in the good books of the MPs as they conduct comprehensive feasibility study requiring much time before taking up any project, especially projects like construction of bridges which generally involve high costs. LGED, however, is the eye candy of the MPs as it is famous for its quick implementation with no or little feasibility study and donors also like it as it can spend funds very fast.The finance ministry and the line ministry of the engineering department concerned is responsible for timely disbursement of allocated funds in the four quarters of a financial year. Sometimes progress of work may get hampered as funds are not released in time.
It is unfortunate that the writer tried to give the impression that all the engineers are busy making underhand deals with MPs as he makes sweeping comments like “Before that you, however, assure the engineer shahebs of their cut in the deal.” and “..sit down with the engineers and overseers to collect their signatures for clearing the bills (Whew, it's hard work, man!).” True, there are some engineers who engage in corrupt practices as pawns of big political corruption. But if none other than the Senior Assistant Editor of DS takes the liberty to call everyone of the profession corrupt based on it, the validity of the assertion can be questioned.
The ground reality is somewhat different. Engineers have to supervise the work in site under scorching sun or rain, sometimes convince the unruly contractor with muscle power and political connection to do the work properly, face extortionists under the cover of 'conscious people' or even journalists and send progress report to the ministry and higher offices in all kinds of formats available. And abiding by the undue request of MPs, like construction of a bridge in a place where it is not necessary, will cost the job of any engineer in any responsible engineering department.
It is very easy to weave a diatribe against a particular section of professionals. But it is not that easy to withstand the midday March sun and direct a contractor with political connections to work properly. Engineers are the ones who are responsible for the development works implemented in this country and all they got in return is the epithet of a corrupt person. May be the brightest of the students become doctors, engineers and the like, but it should not make them the bull's eye for sweeping and unjust criticism.
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