MLA Achumbemo Kikon along with officials of the two construction companies, M/S Chabou & Co. and JK Construction, Police & administration including area people after the official flag off of the construction. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | February 21
Despite opposition from the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) and 12 tribal organisations, the two construction companies, M/S Chabou & Co. and JK Construction, have officially launched the road construction works for the Nagaland Foothills Road at Khumjo Yan Village under the Bhandari subdivision of Wokha district.
The event was attended by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Police & administration including area people. Following the launch event, MLA for 40 A/C Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, held a press conference and expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the NFHRCC thus far, noting that the Foothill Road is a dream project for the entire Naga community. He hoped the NFHRCC will assist in ensuring the timely completion of the project, within specifications, as the people in the region have endured significant hardship due to the lack of infrastructure. He said that completing this stretch would see 75% of the Foothill Road completed.
Kikon explained that the companies had already signed agreements with the government, committing to complete the project according to specifications and within the set timeline. He clarified that the firms were awarded the contract based on their credentials, and any further agreements with associations would be unnecessary and could undermine the government’s authority.
While acknowledging the committee’s effort, Kikon yet reiterated that all roads are, by nature, for the public. He stressed that the government constructs roads for the benefit of the people, and the Foothill Road is crucial for the 12 tribes it connects. He also pointed out that it is one of many essential projects and that all roads, including the Foothill Road, are vital to the development of Nagaland.
As for the NFHRCC's opposition to the official launch, Kikon defended the legitimacy of the event. He expressed disappointment with the NFHRCC’s stance, stating that as a government representative, he could not afford further delays to the project, especially given the three-month delay since the contract was awarded. He made it clear that the project could not be postponed any longer due to the conflicting interests raised by the NFHRCC.
Regarding the Chief Engineer’s circular issued by the PWD R&B, which called for a meeting with seven contractors who have yet to sign agreements with the NFHRCC, Kikon referred to the initiative as positive but lamented that it should have occurred earlier. While the companies involved, Chabou & Co. and JK Construction, were contemplating attending the meeting, Kikon made it clear that he would not support any actions that could delay the work further.
