Half-done semi-concrete structures with iron-rods are seen dangling all over the place which was laid last winter as foundation for the proposed Pedestrian Footbridge at Mokokchung town. (Morung Photo)
Limalenden Longkumer
Mokokchung | November 21
Construction of the proposed Pedestrian Footbridge at Mokokchung town center has been stalled for reasons best known to the authority concerned and the odd onlooker can only stand and stare, clueless, at what appears to be two random half-done semi-concrete structures. These two haphazard structures, each with preliminary provisions for erecting three concrete pillars each in a triangular form, is a sore sight to behold in this otherwise neat and beautiful town.
The muddled iron-rod structures dangling all over the place which is in fact the ‘foundation’ for the proposed Pedestrian Footbridge were laid last winter, as a passerby would say.
Two other casual observers, who happened to pass by as this correspondent was capturing the image of the structures, had a sorry tale to tell. One of them, a concerned citizen and a dynamic youth activist, stressed that the truth about this particular project is as messy as the structures look. He even said that an RTI Application could not possibly unearth the whole truth about it. He narrated that the contractor for the project ‘sold’ his contract to another contractor at the rate of 30% of the total amount of the project. Now this second contractor, with the understanding of pocketing 3% (three percent) of the remaining 70% of the total amount (understandably without having to do any work at all) agreed to let a third ‘contractor’ do the job on his behalf. This third ‘contractor’, as put forward by the narrator, is now not in a position to complete the project as construction of the footbridge would mean his loss - simple as that. According to the narrator, the third ‘contractor’ is understood to have agreed to meet with the demands of the landowners and underground groups.
The other observer, a businessman running an IT store near the site of the structures and who was with this correspondent when the first observer narrated his account, simply said that the press must investigate matters like this.
Interesting as it was, this correspondent went to the office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (Housing Division), Mokokchung for some official account. The engineer, L. Sashi Longchar, clarified that the construction of the Pedestrian Footbridge had to be stalled because, among other reasons, the “Guwahati based bridge components manufacturing company closed down.” He also cited the problems related to landowners. With regard to the contractors, he clarified that the first contractor ‘surrendered’ his work order because the contract was not profitable, which was subsequently allowed to another interested contractor. The second contractor is said to have lobbied with the Planning Department to have the project amount enhanced. The engineer also disclosed that they have since made ties with a Kolkata based firm for the bridge components and that the project is estimated at a little over rupees 1.15 crores. He also mentioned that the ‘paper works at the top level’ is now almost over and so the work on site would commence soon. He also added that it would take about 5 months to complete the construction.
Similar pedestrian footbridges have been constructed in Kohima and Dimapur, reportedly by the Urban Development Department whereas in Mokokchung, the project is to be implemented through the PWD (Housing Division). Much time have been lost and it is now the people’s turn to judge if the PWD has what it takes to deliver the goods.
