DIMAPUR, AUGUST 9 (MExN): The PWD (NH) has been issued a clarification to the queries raised by the Congress Legislative Party Leader wherein the latter had sought more details on SARDP Projects’ and which was published in the local newspapers. A press note issued by Er. Peter Solo, Chief Engineer, PWD (NH), Nagaland has among others clarified that 80 % of earthwork completed is for the overall project and not of individual roads separately.
The press note also clarified that “some heavy machinery not required at present have been withdrawn/demobilized” and that “machineries required at the site are still in position for clearance of landslides and remaining earthwork”. “No sale of machinery at ‘throw away’ prices have come to the notice of the Department as confirmed by the Contractors themselves”, the press note clarified.
The Department also informed that landslides and mudslides are “unavoidable during the rainy season and deeply regrets the inconveniences caused to the public and the damage to crop and property”. The Department stated that it will make all efforts towards compensation for such damages.
Meanwhile, the press note also assured that the Department and Contractors are doing their best to keep the traffic open for “travelers on these roads, despite facing the physical wrath of certain sections of people”. The Department appealed to the people “to desist from physically assaulting the workers who are tirelessly working for clearance of the slides”. It further stated that it was not correct to allege that the works have been suspended due to deficient DPR. “Cross-drainage and culvert works are still continuing as per schedule.
The Department would like to reiterate that only earthwork has been suspended due to the weather conditions in order not to trigger further slides”.
Also terming it as “correct that the SARDP project is for two laning of existing single lane roads” and as clarified by the Department earlier, the press note informed that the quantum of earthwork shown in the original DPR was found much less than what was found required while working on site. “Further the number of breast walls required were found to be more than originally estimated during the course of implementation”.
It was also clarified that the rates are worked out item-wise and not on the basis of per kilometer. “However, the average rate per kilometer worked out from the total sanctioned cost and the distance works out to Rs.3.43 crores. Comparatively, the rates for other Northeastern States of Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya are Rs. 5.04 crores, Rs. 4.00 crores and Rs.4.30 crores respectively”, it stated.
All these States, like Nagaland, have also requested for revision of estimates based on the quantity of works, the department clarified adding that the average cost per kilometer as per the revision sought is Rs. 7.90 crores. “This is found to be less than the revised estimates submitted by some of the States”.
It was also stated that an amount of Rs. 360.00 crores net has been paid to the Contractors so far which is much less than the amount actually due to the Contractors on the basis of works done.
It also informed that the revised DPR was submitted to the MoRTH by the Chief Engineer (National Highways) through the Regional Office at Guwahati as per procedures and that the Terms of Agreement are available in the Office of Chief Engineer (National Highways) for perusal of any interested party.
The Department also placed on record that all works are being carried out in the best interest of the State. “Like any major project, during the course of implementation unseen problems are encountered which are being handled to the best of our ability”.
