SKK seeks chief engineer’s intervention on deplorable road connecting Nagaland University
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 22 (MExN): The All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) has drawn the attention of Nagaland PWD (National Highways) on the deplorable road condition connecting Nagaland University Hq, Lumami.
An open letter addressed to the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH) stated that despite the “improvement of riding quality to NH 702A from km 5/460 to 16/000 under NH- Mokokchung Division” completed only recently, an on-spot verification carried out by SKK along the entire road stretch showed no semblance of work ever carried out except for some patches of blacktopped portions.
Now, even the blacktopped layers have all eroded and only the soil remains with potholes and muddy water, it pointed out. The improvement works was carried out at the cost of Rs 3.97 crore approximately as mentioned in the work order issued by the PWD office dated 28 April 2017.
Expressing consternation that the quality of works carried out on NH could be totally damaged within two-three month of completion, the SKK said the pathetic road condition was causing huge inconvenience to the local populace, university staff and students alike since the road connects to Mokokchung, the nearest town, and caters to the academic needs and transportation of the populace of the area.
In this connection, the SKK has sought the intervention of the Chief Engineer, PWD department to ensure quality work as per prescribed specifications along the said stretch in the interest of the students, university staff and the public.
It also put in a word of caution that if the concerned failed to meet the demand for quality road, it would be compelled to adopt other alternative measures to make sure that the public are given quality roads commensurate with the amount released.
To monitor all ongoing road projects under Sumi inhabited areas
Meanwhile, the SKK also declared that it would be strictly monitoring all ongoing road projects under PMGSY Phase IX batch I (2017-18) in Sumi inhabited areas. At present there are total eight ongoing road project which include Satakha to Momi (4.2km) at the cost of Rs 222.98 lakh; Satoi to Ikiye to Itovi (11.60km) at the cost of Rs 429.5 lakh, Niuland to S. Hetoi (9km) at the cost of Rs 612.22 lakh, Achikuhu to Yevishe via Yeshito (12km) at the cost of Rs 768.10 lakh, Yeshito to Kikhevi via Khatara (18km) at the cost of Rs 1127.52 lakh, Satoi to Tsuruhu (5.20km) at the cost of Rs 351.58 lakh and Tokiye to Thokihimi (12km) at the cost of Rs 730.67 lakh.
It has appealed all the contractors to sincerely carry out quality works as per specifications. The SKK also appealed departmental officers inspecting the works to insist on prescribed specifications and not to compromise with any inferior quality.
It also cautioned all the inspection officers to carry out their works sincerely and if at any point of time, they are found conniving with the contractors leading to sub-standard works, the SKK said it would initiate appropriate course of action as deemed fit either customarily or legally.
The contractors would also be held equally responsible for any poor quality of work and the SKK will initiate stringent steps to blacklist their firms, the SKK added.
