Dimapur, August 25 (MExN): The Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) responds to criticism against the government and department for the deplorable condition of roads in Dimapur and Kohima. The PWD has assured that “efforts were, and are being made” by the department to repair and maintain the damaged portions of the roads. D Mero, chief engineer of the PWD (R & B) issued a rejoinder today in response to allegations from the Nagaland “on deplorable road conditions”.
“The department accepts the fact that the road conditions, particularly in Dimapur and Kohima are in bad shape. This is due to non-availability of contingency maintenance funds during the last financial year as was stated by the honorable minister for Roads & Bridges.
However, efforts were, and are being made by the department to repair and maintain the damaged portions of the roads,” the department said.
Referring to the fund provisions in the annual plan 2011-12 for PWD (R&B) and the non-plan revenue expenditure under the 13 Finance Commission awards, the chief engineers stated that “the funds have been allocated for the current year, ie, 2011-12.” The proposed works programme as published in some of the dailies has been submitted and “formal clearance as per laid down procedures is awaited”, he stated.
“Works can be taken up only on completion of all such formalities. The department takes exception to the allegation that fund from different schemes have been brought for a single project and that such funds have been ‘entirely looted’. The department appeals to all concerned to desist from making such wild allegations,” the rejoinder said.
The department of Roads & Bridges has assured “to provide quality roads” and has appealed for cooperation of all in concern. “The department also welcomes constructive criticism but at the same time requests that allegations are not made without verifying the facts,” the PWD department added.
“The department accepts the fact that the road conditions, particularly in Dimapur and Kohima are in bad shape. This is due to non-availability of contingency maintenance funds during the last financial year as was stated by the honorable minister for Roads & Bridges.
However, efforts were, and are being made by the department to repair and maintain the damaged portions of the roads,” the department said.
Referring to the fund provisions in the annual plan 2011-12 for PWD (R&B) and the non-plan revenue expenditure under the 13 Finance Commission awards, the chief engineers stated that “the funds have been allocated for the current year, ie, 2011-12.” The proposed works programme as published in some of the dailies has been submitted and “formal clearance as per laid down procedures is awaited”, he stated.
“Works can be taken up only on completion of all such formalities. The department takes exception to the allegation that fund from different schemes have been brought for a single project and that such funds have been ‘entirely looted’. The department appeals to all concerned to desist from making such wild allegations,” the rejoinder said.
The department of Roads & Bridges has assured “to provide quality roads” and has appealed for cooperation of all in concern. “The department also welcomes constructive criticism but at the same time requests that allegations are not made without verifying the facts,” the PWD department added.
