KAKINADA: Contractors and builders in AP have decided to agitate against the government because they feel that their skills and capabilities are being overlooked, as they are not given any role in most development projects. Contractors claim that their constructions meet international standards, but they do not receive any importance from the government.
The state has taken up several major development projects for the construction of the new capital at Amaravathi, and the Polavaram Mega Irrigation Project, and local contractors feel that their talent is being grossly neglected. They said that have been contracted to undertake several constructions in foreign countries and in other states of India, and have received praise and appreciation for their work.
“The AP state government is ignoring local talent even though there are many competent contractors and builders in the East and West Godavari districts, as well as in other parts of the state. The state government seems to prefer employing major construction companies from outside the state, such as L&T.
But these major companies in turn sub-contract local workers from the state to complete the work,” said Ch. Ramakotaiah, chairman of the AP Chapter of the Builders’ Association of India (BAI). He said that instead of choosing companies from outside the state, the state government should directly employ local contractors and encourage them.
“AP contractors have good equipment and are capable of mobilising finances and other requirements for the execution of the project. They are able to invest up to Rs 750 crore and they can complete the work within the time schedule,” he said, exemplifying prominent engineers Sarvasri Mokshagundam Visweswaraiah and K.L. Rao who have rendered services to the state and the country.
“Even though Sir Arthur Cotton designed the bridge across the river Godavari, the construction work was done by the local contractors and local engineering experts. The government should remember that,” he said.
