A commoner travelling to the interior parts of the deserted 329 km SARDP-NE (Special Accelerated Road Development Programme-North East) project in Nagaland will feel the bitter taste of what the respected and honourable Hyderabad-based Maytas-GayatriCompany (Joint Venture) has done to our roads. The former roads were pliable to some extent but the road projects undertaken by the said Company have entirely deteriorated the roads to such an un-pliable state. The detour of travelling to the destination has caused much pain and trouble to the publics for months and years. Thanks to the Central Government for pouring their money into the Company’s lap. But the works still stands incomplete.
The five tribes namely- Phom, Sumi, Chakhesang, Ao and Konyak have been so patient in prolonging their grace period for more than 2 years but the Company has not made any rectifications yet. The memorandum submitted by the mentioned tribal organisations to the Prime Minister on June 23rdvia the Governor is duly esteemed and laudable. The pressing question of the signatories is the voice of the public, “We’re not concerned with what might be the internal problem. All we want is the completion (of the project).” The lifeline of five districts has completely being blocked and choked till date. The villagers can do nothing but bear the inconvenience created by the callous Company project. Now, on unforeseen note, the Central Government awarded Maytas & Gayatri Company the work of the NH-2 (erstwhile -39) 4-lane Dimapur-Kohima road. The prompt rejoinder of the local Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) in retaliation against them with a stipulation (that they should first complete the SARDP-NE project) was also a reassuring voice for the public.
The publics stand in complete support of the NCSU if they are true to their pledge. But the apprehensive predictions if it comes to pass may result in the betrayal of the public. The NCSU appeal may simply be a baby’s cry for some sub-contract business deals with the forged Company. If that happens, then the subcontract works may certainly fall into the hands of the local contractors and their mouths will be zipped in probing the Company to finish the SARDP-NE road project. In that, the publics will moan silently and the roads to these five districts will never be completed. Therefore, as a concerned citizen, I sincerely appeal to the ACAUT to take this issue on their agenda and press the Company to finish the incomplete Project for the welfare of the people. The ACAUT have been trustworthy in exposing the lies of the corruption within the state’s functionary. Hence, it is with confidence and optimistic anticipation that the people’s voice will triumph against the fabricated and fake brothers of the land. Do it again, ACAUT!!!
Vebu Khamo, Bible Student
