In Dagestan, reconstruction of Gimri Tunnel slowed down, local residents assert

In Dagestan, construction works in the Gimri Tunnel are being slowed down again. This was reported by workers engaged in the reconstruction of the tunnel and by residents of the Untsukul District. According to representatives of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) "Mostotryad-99", the work is being continued ahead of schedule.

"The second shift does not work for last three or four months. The first shift employs 70-80 persons; however, most of them work for three days and stay at home for other ten days. There are no building materials. They, for example, paint, and special fire-retardant materials are being delivered from other regions of Russia. However, deliveries are irregular, and the delivered materials are sufficient for three days only. I cannot tell you what is going on poor organization or lack of desire to sign contracts with normal suppliers instead of acquaintances. People say that the construction works are being deliberately delayed," said a builder, who preferred to remain anonymous.

According to local residents, construction works on the object are being stopped for the last 20-25 days, and about 60 workers are not temporarily engaged in repair, since they wait for the delivery of construction materials.

"The only work underway is installation of electrical equipment. Asphalting, painting works, landscaping all the works are being suspended. We are sure that the work is being delayed on purpose. Apricots and early sorts of peaches will be ripe very soon. And again, farmers will have to carry fruits from the mountainous districts to Makhachkala on bypass road, through the village of Levashi. And Levashi residents benefit from that fact, since they have gas stations, service stations, and shops, they all earn money on the transportation flow," said a local resident, who also preferred to remain anonymous.

Magomed Rakhmatullaev, Section Chief, refuted the information on the suspension of works. "There is no delay. On the contrary, we go ahead of the schedule, and two shifts are engaged. Each shift employs 350 persons," says Magomed Rakhmatullaev.