Our Correspondent
Phek | August 18
The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) has criticised the 15th BRTF for its poor workmanship leading to the collapse of the NH-150 bridge that lies between Kikruma and Chakhabama, stating that the same had remained unattended for more than 2 years.
According to the CPO President, Yesonu Veyie, the bridge which was constructed by the 15th BRTF had collapsed on May 2, 2007, but it had not been restored to date.
This is a glaring example of negligence on the part of 15th BRTF, said Veyie, adding that following the new bridge collapse, no maintenance of the old iron bridge was carried out compelling the vehicles to ply in an extremely narrow and unfit alternative adjacent road, posing great risk and inconvenience to the commuters for Pfutsero, Chizami, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire.
The Border Road Organization, despite being considered as one of the most reputed organisations in the country for their workmanship in the field of road transport, miserably fails to fulfil the demands of the general public, stated Veyie. It is very unfortunate that when people talk about the unemployment problem in the state, our people on many occasions, reposing faith on the BRTF, propose allocation of state highways to the BRTF.
Having high hopes of generating employment among the Nagas, private contractors were given the opportunity to execute the work where the roads were being run by the PWD with an intention of circulating money within the state, asserted Veyie. However by dint of merit in execution of work, public preferred the BRTF to execute the works and roads under the supervision of the BRTF.
The state government of Nagaland, having high hope and confidence in the BRTF for the execution and maintenance of roads, expects no sector to damage the image of their organisation by negligence of a small area or project. However, the CPO pointed out, the BRTF was making only “hand wash clarification” in the media instead of initiating the early restoration of the work “acquiring public support and mandate”.
Urging the BRTF to take up the matter at the earliest and provide standard workmanship, the CPO further warned that neglecting to pay heed to demands of the public, the BRTF would be held responsible in case of any eventuality arising in the near future.
