Inaction in Rocktree Infra case raises accountability concerns
Concerns are being raised over the delay in initiating action against Housing Department officials in connection with irregularities linked to Rocktree Infra, which failed to complete housing units sanctioned for the poor in the district.
Rocktree Infra was entrusted with the construction of 14,627 houses in Paidivada Agraharam, Nangeenapadu, Gollalapalem, Gangavaram, and Nadupuru. Although work commenced on 14,021 units, the projects were reportedly left incomplete midway.
A Vigilance and Enforcement inquiry identified several discrepancies in the execution of the works, including the excess supply of construction materials such as steel, cement, and sand, as well as alleged inflated billing. The inquiry recommended the recovery of about ₹22.7 crore from the firm.
The report also highlighted lapses on the part of Housing Department officials and ward amenities secretaries. Explanations were sought from several officials, including engineers of various ranks, in connection with irregularities identified in four layouts. However, the Vigilance authorities are understood to have found the responses unsatisfactory.
Officials reportedly maintained that they were not responsible for overseeing the supply and utilisation of construction materials, a claim that was criticised in the inquiry. The report noted the absence of proper field-level verification to confirm whether the supplied materials were actually used for construction, and pointed out that bills were processed based on supply figures rather than verified usage.
The Vigilance report recommended action against the officials concerned, in addition to the recovery from the firm. Following this, the Municipal Administration Department issued show-cause notices to 30 ward amenities secretaries.
However, concerns persist that no concrete action has yet been taken against the Housing Department officials, amid allegations that some have distanced themselves from the issue by submitting explanations to higher authorities.