Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 11
Speaking at a meeting attended by Minister for Roads and Bridges, Parliamentary Secretary for Mechanical and National Highways, and Housing, with officers of the NPWD here this afternoon, Minister for Roads and Bridges Kuzholuzo Nienu, challenged the department to respond to the need of better roads and quality work in the State.
Expressing regret that “we are creating more liabilities than assets,” the Minister said he wants to see the department improve the system and create assets for the State. Terming roads to be the “most important sector”, the Minister regretted that the State’s roads do not last long due to their lack in following specification.
In this, he drew the attention of engineers to be “specific while preparing estimates”. The Engineers were also told to include drainage and culverts in the estimate. The Minister has declared that he will “never compromise” on quality of work in any project. Assuring that he will be available on spot to monitor the works, Nienu stated that he is ready to sleep on the road side to supervise work to make sure of quality. The Minister said he will inspect all major projects across the State after returning from a trip to Delhi.
Nienu urged upon EEs to take follow-up action, and that a series of meetings would be held. Commenting on transfer and posting, the Minister expressed that the criteria for transfer and posting should be based on performance, not ‘backing’.
Parliamentary Secretary for Mechanical and National Highways, Nuklutoshi, and Parliamentary Secretary for Housing Er. Vikho-o Yhoshu also spoke on the occasion while Er. D. Mero, Chief Engineer, Roads and Bridges delivered a short speech. Commissioner and Secretary for Roads and Housing Temjen Toy chaired the meeting while welcome address was delivered by Er. Vetokhu Sema, Engineer-in-Chief NPWD.
