MP Supongmeren and others during inspection to Package-II of Kohima- Jessami 2 lane road project on May 29. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 30
Nagaland Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir undertook intensive inspection to National Highway (NH) projects from May 28 to 29 along NH-29 (Kohima-Dimapur), NH-29 (2 Lane package-2, Kohima-Jessami), NH-2 (Kohima-Mao) and the new Kohima Bypass road, being undertaken by National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Inspecting the Package-II of Kohima-Jessami 2 lane road project on May 29 along Chakhabama-Kikruma, Jamir expressed dismay over the delay in the construction work which show only 42% progress status while 58% remain to be done.
Addressing a press conference today, Jamir said the first contractor had been terminated, and the second contractor was supposed to complete the road by January of this year, but failed to do so. He added that the NHIDCL has now granted the contractor an additional four months to finish the work.
“In any case, within those four months, 80% progress must be achieved,” Jamir said. The contractor has assured that work will be expedited. “They have assured us, and accordingly, we must monitor progress,” Jamir stated. “If they fail, they will have to be terminated as per guidelines.” He also mentioned that he would coordinate with the district administration to review progress on a weekly basis.
At Kikruma, the contractor assured the MP, in the presence of the district administration, NHIDCL, Chakhesang Public Organization and Chakhesang Youth Front, that they would deploy more manpower and machinery going forward.
“If there are any complaints or unsatisfactory results, I am ready to conduct another spot verification,” Jamir said. He added, “Hopefully, by September, the road will be delivered to the people.”
Jamir noted that out of the five packages, civil societies are satisfied with the implementation of four. Package-II, however, remains an exception, which he described as “negligence of the work.”
Further, Jamir asked the contractor, dealing with the portion from BSF camp Kohima till Chakhabama, to execute proper drainage system and the road maintenance work. The concerned contractor has given assurance to do the same within 20 days, he informed. Jamir also asked the contractor to expedite the repairing work of a bridge below RD Block Kikruma and ensure that it is made operational by June 20.
Later, the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) officials also met Jamir and expressed dissatisfaction over the delay execution of the Package-II between Chakhabama-Kikruma and also called for quality work.
Road safety measure
At Khuzama, Jamir urged the NHIDCL to address the road safety measures by placing traffic signs along the Highways. NHIDCL officials assured to do the same within a month time. “Road safety measures are not up to the standard of which NHIDCL is supposed to do it,” he said and insisted that the standard performance has to be there even in Nagaland state like other states.
Urging for proper maintenance of drainage system, he lamented “the contractors used to neglect the maintenance of the drainage system once they constructed the roads.” He also called for proper installation of road divider along the Dimapur-Kohima highway in accordance with the approval of the NHIDCL to avoid accident.
Jamir told the district administration and the public to keep strict vigil over the reported theft of Medium Cast Barrier Components (MCBC) and steel road signboards on the Highways, especially on Dimapur area.
Kohima Bypass road project
Jamir said that almost all the major highway projects are targeted to be completed within this year. However, he said, the new Kohima Bypass project is likely to take another two years due to certain land disputes and incomplete bridges construction work.
“The state government has to intervene,” he said adding that the project will continue to remain delay “Until and unless we do that.” He said that once completed, the Bypass road will solve the traffic problem in Kohima.
Also inspecting Pfuchama site, Jamir called for immediate clearance of the certain mudslide portion and to initiate the necessary protection work. In this, the NHIDC directed the contractor to do the necessity on priority with immediate effect. Jamir also asked the contractor to ensure proper maintenance of the completed portion of the road.
