NFHRCC members alongwith leaders of Dimapur-based tribal hohos at the site of the incomplete Doyang Bridge (background) at Liphanyan village, Ralan sub-division, Wokha on November 3.
Hohos say work done incommensurate to money drawn
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 3
The Doyang Bridge, essential to inter-linking the Nagaland Foothills Road, has come under the scanner of the hohos. With a completion deadline of 33 months, construction of the bridge had started in December 2014. But the construction ceased sometime in 2016 with more than half of the work remaining and remains so till date.
While the construction firm attributed the ceasing of work to a number of local factors, the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) and 11 Dimapur-based tribe hohos have raised questions on the commitment of the firm.
The ACAUT recently sought explanation from the state PWD as to why the work was stalled. Citing RTI replies, it alleged the PWD of making “fraudulent payments” amounting to over Rs. 18 croreore to the firm incommensurate to the work done. The Lotha Hoho had also filed a police complaint in November 2017 in this regard.
Bills paid incommensurate to work done and stalling of work midway was the focus of an inspection trip to the half done Doyang Bridge jointly undertaken by the NFHRCC and leaders representing 11 Dimapur-based tribe hohos on November 3. Ralan Area Lotha Hoho also attended the meeting held at Liphanyan, Ralan sub-division, Wokha where the bridge falls.
The tribe leaders at the meeting held that despite the investment of Rs. 18.49 crore, more than half of the work remains. On the other hand, the original monetary estimate for completing the bridge stood at Rs. 24.5 crore, which was later reportedly enhanced by an additional Rs. 4 crore. It alleged that it points to undue drawal of money disproportionate to the quantum of work.
The joint conclave also expressed resentment over the contractor/firm not turning up at the meeting despite being invited.
“The contractor should have at least sent his subordinates,” said the NFHRCC, while adding that the failure to attend was tantamount to undermining the dignity of the hohos.
It reminded that the contractor had assured the NFHRCC and the Chief Minister to resume work post-monsoon. However, the work is yet to resume, it maintained
As a result, it said that the NFHRCC along with the hohos have resolved to issue ultimatum to the contractor/firm to resume work within 14 days beginning November 4. “Failure to do so necessary action will be initiated,” it said.
It reiterated the NFHRCC’s appeal to the government to issue “work order” to complete the uncut portions at Niuland and Naginimora sectors, while adding that it should be issued within November.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the Foothills Road has been taken over by the National Highways authority. It added that the National Highways has employed a private firm to do the necessary surveys. In this regard, it maintained that the existing alignment as prepared by the state PWD in consultation with the NFHRCC must be maintained. This, it said, would avoid border-related disputes with Assam.
