DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 1 (MExN): People for Democratic Rights (PDR) on Saturday said the ECI should come out clean and respond to the public and government the reasons behind stopping the 4-lane works at NH 29 between Dimapur-Kohima.
Stating that the sequence of events as reported in some local dailies only proves that the ECI has been misleading the press eventually leading to misleading the government and the public, the PDR media cell in a press statement recalled how the ECI initially said “works were stopped due to alleged harassment of labourers, thefts etc.”
However, the next day, the ECI Business Development Coordinator, P.L. Rao clarified that the “firm has harmonious relationship with all sections of public and that all of them were helping the firm in completing the work.”
While asking the ECI to come out clean and respond to the public and government for reasons behind stopping the works, the PDR also alleged that even before the ECI informed about alleged harassment to labourers, some of the sub-contractors had stopped works few months back due to non-payment of bill.
The fact that the petrol pump had also stopped supply of fuel to the company due to non-payment of bills speaks a lot about the issue, it added.
PDR also expressed apprehension that the ECI Company may permanently abandon work citing alleged harassment of labourers and other local problems while the main reason for stopping works pertains to non-payment of bills to the petrol pump and sub-contractors.
In this connection, the PDR has appealed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) not to pay any bills to the ECI unless it resumes works to the satisfaction of the authorities.
It expressed mistrust that the flip-flop stand of the ECI pertaining to stoppage of works reflects an intention which is known only to the company and in this regard, PDR has cautioned ECI against playing with the dream project of the Naga people.
It also appealed the state government and NHIDCL to intervene into the issue so that all construction works could be resumed immediately.
PDR also urged the ECI to clear all pending bills to the sub-contractors and the petrol pump so that works can be resumed since it has said that the firm was getting all support and cooperation from the public, administration and police.
It further cautioned all construction firms against use of sub-standard materials but to strictly comply with the laid down specifications. The existing road should be properly maintained and all construction works should be carried out taking care of environmental concerns so that the public do not suffer or face inconveniences owing to the works, it pointed out.
Sand gravel as foundation for 4-lane from Purana Bazaar- Chümoukedima?
Meanwhile, PDR also observed that contractors are using sand gravel as foundation for the construction of 4-lane from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima. It therefore wanted to know whether usage of sand gravel as a foundation is permissible and specifically following the laid down specifications of 4-lane road. Moreover, the work progress is at a snail’s pace and the public deserves faster development, it added.
