DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union (NGRC-1CU) has writtern to the Nagaland Chief Minister urging that the Dimapur-Kohima four lane project should not suffer the same fate as other mega projects in the state.
In a representation to the CM, the union cited particular reference to the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima upgradation project and the Chakhabama — Zunheboto road, Chantongya — Longleng road, Pfutsero — Phek road and Mon-Tamlu-Merangkong road SARDP projects. Both these projects were awarded to firms from outside the state, and have not seen completion, it stated.
The present ongoing work for construction of four lane of Dimapur — Kohima road under the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) may also face the same fate as highlighted above if the Government and the Department concerned does not take it seriously, it cautioned.
The works for these Projects were awarded to ECI and Ramky (JV) (Phase - 1&I1) and Gayatri (Phase - Ill) with a total length of 42 Km two years ago with a completion period within three (3) years time, the above mentioned works amounting to 1066.55 Crores.
Presently, the NGRC-1CU observed that only about 50% of earth work may have been completed. The question to be answered is whether these works can be completed within the stipulated period of three years time when the Contractors could complete only 50% of earth work and about 5% culverts even after a year of starting the work i.e. November, 2016, it wondered.
Will the government allow these road to face the same fate of previous mega projects, the NGRC-1CU questioned, and felt that the government should not repeat the same mistake as before. “Moreover, Dimapur — Kohima National Highway is the lifeline for rest Nagaland apart from Dimapur,” it added.
The union lamented that there is not a single Naga Contractors who is awarded the work for execution, “however, after the failure of the project Nagas will put the blame on each other; while on the other hand Contractors from outside will not bother whatever the situation or condition the Government face.”
The NGRC-1CU urged the Nagaland government to make use of the services of the Quality Control Board which is constituted by the government to check the work progress, work specification as per DPR etc. in all major projects so that the contractor’s workmanship can be checked thoroughly while executing the work. And based on the report and recommendation, the department concerned can take appropriate decisions, it added.
Meanwhile, the union expressed concern at the deplorable road condition in Kohima and called for urgent action. “It would be in the interest of the public if your honour may take a physical ride to Kohima town roads and thereafter, direct the Department to take up the work wherever it is required for necessary action,” it asked.
It also asked the state government to organise seminars with the contractors of Nagaland, so that contractors know the latest tendering system, execution of contract works in different modes, workmanship etc. Till date the Government has not organised such seminars to impart training to the Naga contractors for their efficiency. If this exercise can be done by the government annually, there could be much improvement in execution of contract works in the State, it said.
The NGRC-1CU also requested the government to award certificates to the deserving contractors who have completed the work as per specification in the DPR and within stipulated time. “If this initiative is implemented by the government, the contractors will surely aim to get the award, which ultimately will provide better workmanship and completion of work on time. In the end the Government and the public of Nagaland at large will be benefited. However, Contractors who could not complete the work should be black listed,” it suggested.
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