Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 8
The People’s Democratic Alliance’s (PDA) pledge to repair roads in the district headquarters of the state within 60 days ended on May 7. On March 8, the day the PDA government was sworn in, the Cabinet Secretary issued a statement underlining a number of priorities of the new government, including a pledge “to repair and renovate and filling of potholes in the State capital, the commercial hub, Dimapur and the (other) district headquarters within 60 days.”
Two months (61 days) on since the proclamation, the promise remains far from fulfilled with the nodal department - PWD (Roads & Bridges) facing a hurdle far greater than the oft repeated “fund constraint.”
The early onset of monsoon and the intensity of rains these past several days, in the words of the department and the Minister incharge, have scuttled ongoing effort to meet the stated target.
PWD Minister Tongpang Ozukum stated that the rains along with holidays have diluted the duration of working hours. Speaking to The Morung Express on Tuesday evening, Ozukum said that in the 60 days since the pronouncement, the number of actual working days have been roughly 30 days.
Given the conditions, he held that it would be fair to assume the duration as “60 working days” instead of the pledged “60 days.” On that note, he said, “We should be able to complete what was promised within 60 working days,” without attributing any timeframe.
We are putting in 100%, says PWD Minister
According to him, work did not start in tandem in all the district HQs. “In Peren, it could start only on April 29. Work in the other district HQs started by April 8-9.”
On the work done, he said that it varies, with some districts having achieved 60%of targeted work. Regarding quality, he said the output has been quite satisfactory compared to the money at hand. “Inspite of all the hurdles, we are putting in 100%. After so many years, our engineers are working. It is so encouraging to see them work. People should also appreciate.”
The scope of works, he added, is not only confined to “pothole filling” with many areas requiring “carpeting” to the extent of elevating the road to the level of the existing drains and some requiring the construction of retaining walls. “Whatever money has been allotted, we will utilise to the fullest,” he assured.
Echoing the Minister’s view, Executive Engineer (R&B), Dimapur Division, Talitemsu commented, “We just got up from a deep slumber. After a long time, we the engineers of the department are doing what we are supposed to do.”
He said that this time, money has not been a concern, rather “the weather has been playing spoil sport.” He added that it is practically impossible to work during the day, “So we have to work at night (8:00 pm till sunrise).”
Super market, approach road to Circuit House, Kuda road, a stretch in Tajen Ao Road are some of the areas remaining in Dimapur.
