‘NFHRCC determined to withdraw May 8 NIT’

With the PWD (Roads & Bridges) unresponsive, the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has reiterated its demand for withdrawal of the ‘Notice Inviting Tender’ (NIT) dated May 8, 2014. The 7-day deadline stipulated by the NFHRCC to retract the NIT (No. CE (R & B) / TENDER / FH / 2013-14) expires on May 18. According to the NFHRCC, neither the R & B Chief Engineer nor the Minister in concern has responded to its demand till date. Following the publication of the statement demanding withdrawal of the NIT, the NFHRCC submitted a representation to the Chief Engineer stating the same, copies of which were forwarded to the Chief Minister, the R & B Minister and the R & B Commissioner & Secretary.

With no response forthcoming, the NFHRCC met on May 16 in Dimapur and issued another statement. As stated earlier, the NFHRCC asserted that the PWD (R & B) will be held responsible for any eventuality arising out of the department’s failure to pull back the May 8 NIT.  

Stating that the May 8 NIT was in total contravention of the April 25, 2014 “table tender”, the NFHRCC stated, “It is expedient to mention that the 1st phase of the work order was issued through table tender. Subsequently, on 25th April, 2014, the table tender was initiated with regard to issuance of the 2nd work order. Mention may also be made that on the request of the department, the construction at Longtho MI project -Yajang C segment was started.” However, the department, flouting as well as ignoring the April 25 table tender, floated issued NIT for the said segment.

While viewing the unresponsive attitude of the department “very seriously”, the NFHRCC stated, “In the event, the department remains silent, the NFHRCC is fully determined to resort to any appropriate action.” In this regard, an action committee has been formed to organised appropriate follow up action “to safeguard the Naga road for survival,” it added.

The NFHRCC further appealed all contractors, the NCSU in particular, not to participate “in the proposed open tender which is proposed to be held on May 19. Furthermore, the NFHRCC extended appreciation to the land owners for parting with their land without any compensation and the Naga political groups for not levying any tax with a view to accomplish the Naga survival road.