Dimapur, September 16 (MExN): In the backdrop of the recent memorandum submitted to the state government by tribal bodies representing Kiphire district over the issue of the handing over of NH-155 by the BRO to the State PWD, Minister of Works, Housing and Mechanical, Tokheho Yeptho clarified that the intention of the government is to bring all round development to the people of Nagaland.
In a press statement, Minister for Works &Housing and Mechanical, Tokheho Yeptho, said that the PWD (R&B) shall not go against the wishes of the people, however, he said that the governments intention in taking charge of the NH-155 is to bring all round development in the state by ways of creating more employment avenues and improving the economy of the state. “Protection of the interest of the public is the responsibility of the Government,” said Yeptho.
He said that the road from Mokokchung to Zesami via Tuensang-Kiphire-Meluri was a ‘General Staff’ (GS) road, which was under the BRO. However, it was the initiative of the present government under Neiphiu Rio that the Central Government declared this road as a National Highway-155 and the State PWD obtained the permission to take over the road, which finalized on August 30, said Yeptho.
However, he said that the final taking over shall take place as and when the on-going works which are still lying with the BRO are completed.
With regard to the deplorable road condition at NH-155, Yeptho said that the state government is trying its best to overcome the problem caused due to incessant rains. He said that the landslides are being cleared now, and that arrangements are being made to press machinery into service.
“The State PWD calls upon the organisations and the individuals who have concern for the welfare of the people of this area to render their cooperation to the efforts of the Department,”
Minister Tokheho Yeptho also claimed that the condition of the NH-61 which is being looked after by the State PWD (R&B) is one of the best, which is even better that NH-39 and NH-150. “People who have traveled on this road during these days may see within Kohima Town, Wokha Town and Mokokchung Town as to how the State PWD is maintaining this NH-61,” said Yeptho.
In this connection, the minister suggested the responsible leaders and citizens to give their healthy criticism and appreciation on the ground realities. He observed that the Nagas find it difficult to appreciate when something good is done, but in cases of mistakes or unavoidable problems arising within the state, the people do not waste even a minute and give criticism without any hesitation instead of cooperating with the government and the department.
“Therefore, the concerned organisations and the individuals may kindly bring their grievances to the appropriate authourity so that they can understand the intention of the Government in taking over such projects,” said Yeptho.
The handing and taking over of the NH-155 by the PWD from the BRO on August 30 has been in the news for quite some time, people, especially from Kiphire district strongly resenting the taking over.
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