Members of Ao Senden, along with the Lotha Hoho and other civil bodies during the inspection of Doyang–Mangmetong stretch PMGSY-III road construction project on September 9. (Morung Photo)
• Serious dissatisfaction as only 9% progress in 18 months
• Contractor cites weather conditions, assures 100% action
Morung Express News
Pangti | September 9
The Ao Senden has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the sluggish progress of the ongoing PMGSY-III road construction project from T-01 (Doyang) to Mangmetong, which has reportedly achieved only 9% in 18 months despite an estimated completion period of one and a half years, ending this month.
Inspecting the Doyang–Mangmetong stretch on September 9, Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong said, “We are very unsatisfied. In 18 months, they have only completed 9% of the project. This is not to check anybody, but we need good roads. Nagaland being a hilly state, the only mode of connection and means of transport is roads.”
“For us to have good roads, the Ao Senden will fight tooth and nail,” he added.
Imsong informed that the Ao Senden is currently examining all roads across Mokokchung district and will continue to monitor their progress.
According to the President of the apex body of the Ao Naga community, the contractor had verbally assured that earth cutting would be completed by the end of November, HP (Hume Pipe) culvert works would begin by September 25, and metalling would be completed by March 2026.
However, he stressed that the Ao Senden had demanded a written assurance within seven days.
“This will not be the end, but the Ao Senden will constantly monitor the progress. If progress fails, the Ao Senden and the Lotha Hoho will decide on the next course of action,” he cautioned.
The inspection was joined by officials of the Lotha Hoho, Ongpangkong Mungdang (OM) Action Committee, and village councils of Ungma, Mangmetong, and Longkhum, along with departmental officials and representatives of the contractor firm.
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) project, which covers a stretch of 36.450 kilometres, was awarded to contractor Ghunavi Ayee of M/s LPSS Infra on March 21, 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs 46.54 crore. It carries a maintenance period of five years after completion.
According to officials, only 26 kilometres of earth cutting has been completed so far.
Meanwhile, the OM President recalled that the proposal for this road was first raised during its 75th conference in Mangmetong in 2015 through an agenda brought by the Ungma Village Council.
“After 10 years, this project came to fruition, but with the slow progress, we are really not satisfied. This is already our second visit. If the progress is still not good, the third visit will see a different course of action,” he stated.
Chumbemo T Ngullie, Joint Secretary of the Lotha Hoho, also voiced concern, noting that after all the sacrifices that the public has made for the project, the contractors should take this into consideration.
“How long should we excuse you? This time we are requesting with kindness, but if this trend continues, the kindness might not be there. Before we go to that extent, we request the contractors to listen to our appeal,” he added.
Contractor acknowledges & pledges completion
In his response, contractor Ayee explained that although the work order was issued in March 2024, the agreement was only signed in June due to administrative delays. The project was inaugurated on September 13, 2024, and work began the following month.
“Due to climate conditions, contractors in Nagaland get only six to seven months to work in a year. But I admit there were weaknesses on our part. With only two working seasons in the 18 months, it is not practical,” he reasoned.
However, Ayee acknowledged “complete failure” on its part for not even completing earth cutting.
“But we have sought an extension till March 31, 2026, and we will give 100% for the rest of the time. The quality will not be compromised,” he assured.
The Ao Senden and Lotha Hoho, however, maintained that civil society will continue to monitor the work. Assuring the contractors, Imsong stated: “We are ready to help in any way that we can.”
The visit followed a letter written by Ao Senden on August 8 to PWD (R&B) Minister Kaito Aye, where it pointed out the “snail pace” of work and said that only a single machine was deployed, which often stood idle.
It also expressed apprehension that at the current speed, the road may not even be completed by 2026.
However, with no response from the department for over a month, the Ao Senden, along with the Lotha Hoho and other civil bodies, decided to carry out the September 9 inspection.
