Rs 12.5m backhoe 'exhibition object' in Valikamam PS premises

Local government bodies are formed to serve the people without delay, but in most cases their efficiency is questionable. One such incident at Valikamam SouthWest Pradeshiya Sabha was brought to the attention of the people. It related to the purchase of a backhoe.

The area's people alleged that a brand new backhoe worth Rs 12.5 million was purchased by the local body for the clearing of lands, canals and cemeteries. For months it has been an ‘exhibition object’ in the council premises without a driver.

The decision to purchase a new backhoe was made after the Sabha had to hire third-party machinery annually to carry out cleaning work in the area. The council says it had to spend millions of rupees as expenses for this.

Responding to allegations, a senior Pradeshiya Sabha official said there had been a delay in hiring a permanent driver to operate the backhoe since applicants were not willing to take up the job at the salary scale published by the council.

As an interim relief, the official noted they are planning to deploy a driver from another department to operate the backhoe.