MLA and Advisor Mhathung Yanthan inaugurates the 37 Tiyi AC NPF office in Wokha on November 12. On Thursday, Yanthan has sought termination of the Sanis–Lakhuti PMGSY-II road contract over alleged maintenance failures. (Photo Courtesy: @MhaYanthan/X)
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 12 (MExN): MLA and Advisor Mhathung Yanthan has urged the Nagaland Rural Roads Development Agency (NGRRDA) to initiate termination proceedings against M/s North East Enterprises over its alleged persistent failure to undertake maintenance and rectification works on the Sanis–Lakhuti PMGSY-II road.
In a demi-official (DO) letter dated November 12, addressed to the Engineer-in-Chief, NPWD and Empowered Officer, Nagaland Rural Roads Development Agency (NGRRDA, he called for appropriate contractual action against the contractor for failing to discharge its maintenance obligations despite repeated departmental instructions.
The letter concerns the Sanis–Lakhuti road under Package No. NG-07-03-A008. Yanthan stated that the road had deteriorated considerably, posing inconvenience and safety risks to commuters.
A joint site inspection conducted on August 10 by departmental officials, in the presence of the contractor's representative, reportedly found heavily clogged side drains, landslides and slips, raised earthen shoulders, large potholes and damaged bituminous wearing surfaces.
Despite the inspection findings and subsequent directions from the Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Baghty Division, directing the contractor to commence and complete rectification works by September 30, the contractor had allegedly failed to begin the required repairs, the letter stated.
Citing Clauses 32 and 33 of the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) and the applicable provisions of Clauses 52/53 of the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), Yanthan said the contractual provisions provide for maintenance obligations during the Defect Liability Period (DLP), execution of outstanding works at the contractor's risk and cost, and termination in cases of continued non-compliance.
He urged the NGRRDA to initiate termination proceedings following due process and also consider executing the pending maintenance and rectification works departmentally or through an alternative agency at the risk and cost of the defaulting contractor, wherever permissible under the agreement.
He further called for assessment of the contractor's non-performance, appropriate action concerning performance security and other contractual recoveries, and restoration of the road to a safe and motorable condition without further delay.
Stating that the matter had been brought to the Department's attention on several occasions, Yanthan cautioned that continued inaction was contributing to further deterioration of public infrastructure and causing hardship to residents of the area. He sought the Engineer-in-Chief's personal intervention to ensure that appropriate action was initiated at the earliest.
