Dimapur, August 4 (MExN): The Nagaland State Public Works Department (National Highways) today responded to criticism in the Media over the implementation of work on roads under the Special Accelerated Road Development Project for North East (SARDP NE). The PWD today claimed that “experts” have found the roads “acceptable”.
Chief Engineer Peter Solo of the PWD issued a press release today responding to “newspaper reports” on the implementation of the SARDP (NE) project in Nagaland executed by controversial contractor Maytas & Gayatri (JV).
The department stated that the SARDP project has been abandoned but temporarily suspended due to the monsoon. “While some items of works are continuing, major works will re-commence during the working season. It may be mentioned that more than 80% of earth work and 25% of culverts have been completed on all the four roads,” the bureaucrat stated. The department also expressed regret that the people of Zunheboto, Phek and Longleng districts are facing inconveniences and problems due to subsidence and mudslides during this rainy season. “However, the contractor is fully engaged in clearing all slides and the road is expected to be opened shortly.”
On issues concerning the “revision of costs,” the PWD admitted that the initial Detail Project Report was “found deficient as the quantum of earth work had been largely underestimated.”
It was only during implementation that the deficiencies were observed and works were carried out as per actual requirements, Solo stated. During the Indian Roads Congress meeting held at Kohima in May-June this year, “road experts” were taken to various spots and “they have found the works acceptable,” the bureaucrat claimed.
“Further, the Government of India has constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri.Vijay Chibber, Special Secretary and Financial Advisor to the Government of India for inspection and follow up action on execution of the roads. The Department would like to clarify that the costs of similar projects in other hilly regions are higher than that of Nagaland as per the original DPR.”
The PWD explained what it said of the project as “under contract with joint venture.” The question of it being handed over to any other agency does not arise unless the contract is nullified as per procedures and the terms of agreement, Solo stated. “The department, once again, seeks the cooperation of all concerned so that the Project can be completed on time.”
