DIMAPUR, MAY 4 (MExN): The Nagaland PWD (R&B) department has stated that the Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee’s appeal “to withhold the work order of certain sectors or contractors not receiving work orders does not arise.” This was stated in a press note from the Chief Engineer for PWD (R&B), in reply to the NFHRCC’s earlier statement, which had appealed against the issuing of work order for the Mon sector of the Foothill Road project.
The department, while acknowledging the NFHRCC’s efforts, stated that it has been entrusted by the government to oversee and monitor the progress of the said works and that it “is putting in all efforts to see that the works are carried out without delay in all sectors of the road.” It added that in order to provide connectivity in stretches where new road cutting is required; the department is in the process of carrying out the formalities to finalize the work orders, which were not covered by the first phase of the work orders already issued.
With regard to the attendance of the meeting called by the NFHRCC, the PWD (R&B) clarified that it “has not authorized the officers to attend the meeting and any report or views shared by them is of their own and not the official report/view of the department.”
It assured that the PWD (R&B) will be verifying/inspecting the works as required, and informed all contractors or any organizations interested in the ongoing project to conduct spot verification along with the departmental officers, as per the convenience of the department.
Konyak Union expresses ‘displeasure’
MON, MAY 4 (MExN): The Konyak Union (KU) has expressed “total displeasure” at the NFHRCC for “withholding Mon Sector road works order under the Foothills road construction.” A press note from the KU President and General Secretary questioned: “on what ground the work order for Mon sector had been withheld?”
The KU claimed that the NFHRCC “is going out of the track, which may invite many other problems.” It further queried “why and how the NFHRCC is dictating the PWD Department and as well the Government of Nagaland?” “If the Committee (NFHRCC) is adopting such dictatorship culture with the department and the Government of Nagaland, then what is the power and function or the legal obligation of the department concerned?” it added.
The union asserted that the “PWD and the Government of Nagaland should exercise their fundamental duties as a legal department and that the work order for Foothills road construction under Mon sector be immediately approved and issued to the qualified contractor for implementation.” It further cautioned that the union “will not tolerate any forum that tries to undermine the desire of the apex Union.” Calling upon the department concerned to determine their legal duties for immediate completion of the road construction, the KU assured that it would “fully co-operate with the department and its contractor.”
