PHEK, MAY 22 (MExN): The Phek District Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union has demanded a high level technical committee for on-spot verification of the ongoing work for up-gradation of Chozuba town to PWD office road carried out under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) by one contractor named Zakieneituo (Zakie) Angami.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Engineer, PWD Road & Bridges, the Phek District, NCSU president Kuzhoseyi Alex Soho and general secretary Medovelo Sono said the allegations in social media of substandard works and use of LPG gas burner and herbicide chemicals for covering up the inferior quality work were found to be true after it made an on-spot inspection on May 17.
It also pointed out that site engineers were not appointed by the contractor, which is mandatory for such nature of work, and therefore condemned the malpractice. Following the findings, it said the clarification made by the contractor in print and social media claiming of executing work as per the technical specifications was “blatantly untrue.”
The Union also condemned the press rejoinder issued by the contractor against Advisor CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo while calling him “immature.”
It stated, “His impulsive reactions were uncalled for and an insult to the intellect people of Phek District. As an elected representative of the 18th Chozuba Assembly Constituency, raising such an issue of public importance was not only timely but also in line with his duty and responsibility towards his electors.”
In this connection, the Union demanded that the state government view the matter seriously and appoint a High Technical Committee at the earliest for on-spot verification in the presence of the public and the Union members.
Also stating that the clarification issued by the department was not of the current work but of the old ones, it condemned “such act of mischief to mislead the public thereby adding salt to the wound.”
Further, the Union demanded that the pending bills of the contractor be withheld until such time he rectifies the defective works and further works are carried out strictly as per the technical specifications to the satisfaction of the public.
Transparency and accountability should ensure as to deliver justice to the citizens of Chozuba Town in particular and Phek District in general, it added.
In the event of failure to adhere to its demand, the Phek District NCSU warned it would be compelled to take its own course of action, for which, the department and the concerned contractor shall be held solely responsible for any untoward situations that may arise.
