Advisor Küdecho Khamo addresses at the monthly DPDB meeting in Phek on October 15.
Phek, October 15 (MExN): Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD) and Taxes, Küdecho Khamo, today sharply criticized the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) regarding the deplorable condition of the National Highway (Kohima-Jessami Road), particularly along the Kikruma-Chakhabama stretch.
According to a press release from the Advisor’s office, he pointed out that the entire work progress is 'very slow, substandard, and not adhering to the proper specifications.'
Speaking at the monthly District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Khamo noted that while maintenance contractors have completely failed to perform, no action has been taken against them.
He also faulted the lackadaisical attitude of the NHIDCL, which unnecessarily blames the monsoon and the maintenance contractors they appointed.
This situation has caused immense hardship not only for commuters but also poses risks to their lives, he stated, expressing concern over the financial losses incurred daily due to the bad roads, including fuel costs and damages to vehicles, in addition to wasted time.
As per the release, the Advisor expressed surprise over the poor workmanship of NHIDCL in Nagaland and questioned their seriousness by comparing the work undertaken by the agency in other states.
He asserted that the NHIDCL undermines the people of Nagaland, further warning that the public may be compelled to take more serious courses of action if such attitudes persist.
The stretch of road project is on NH-29 (Old NH-150), from existing km 30.474 (near Chakhabama) to existing km 53.220 (near Kikruma village), with a design length of 21.90 km. The project is being executed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana by Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd.
MLA Neisatuo Mero and Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, N. Nyusietho Nyuthe, also spoke during the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman of DPDB Phek, John Tsulise Sangtam.
During the meeting, the change of nomenclature of Nazareth School, Pfutsero, to Nazareth Higher Secondary School, Pfutsero, was approved, while the leasing of the PWD guest house to Lüshe Enterprise was tabled for the next meeting. The Land Resources Department also presented its report.
Another highlight of the meeting was the felicitation of Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra, Superintendent of Police, Phek, for receiving the US-based International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) award.
