Jaigaon, April 28: The contractor engaged in building a 30-bed rural hospital in Madarihat has packed up and left, alleging harassment by local suppliers, stalling work on the facility that has been a long-standing demand of residents.

“I started the work right after the foundation stone was laid on April 4 this year. But soon, I was approached by some suppliers who wanted me to buy the building material from them at prices much higher than market rates,” said Amalesh Goswami, the Cooch Behar-based contractor.

Goswami also alleged that the traders would often intrude into the construction site and try to chase away the labourers. With frequent disturbances affecting the work, Goswami decided to leave the site. He added that block medical officer of health Sujan Sarkar was informed about the state of affairs.

Besides the rural hospital building, Goswami was also supposed to construct quarters for doctors and other staff members, and sheds for pumps and generator sets. “I have been given a deadline of mid-2009 to complete the work, but if this kind of interference persists, I will not be able to finish the construction on time,” said Goswami.

Sarkar said he had forwarded the complaint to his superiors. He added that the hospital, which currently had 15 beds, was being upgraded at a cost of Rs 2.7 crore.

Alipurduar subdivisional officer Alice Vez said she had asked the block development officer of Madarihat to intervene and make sure that work resumed as soon as possible.