DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 15 (MExN): Clarifying to various Pochury organizations under Phek District – after they had served an ultimatum to the Chief Minister – regarding the taking over of national highway 155 from the Border Roads Organization, the Nagaland government today made itself appear to be on the receiving end.
Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges) Executive Engineer for Aboi Division, N Ghokuto Sumi, clarified that over the decades, most of the roads have been constructed or up-graded by the BRO under one-time centrally sponsored schemes such as the North Eastern Council and Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources “and after exhausting the funds the roads are handed over” to the Nagaland Public Works Department.
“Hence, under the State maintenance fund the Department is unable to keep up with the maintenance of those roads to the satisfaction of the public. Moreover, with that limited State maintenance fund (Under Non-plan) the salary of the Work Charge employees is also met.”
The national highway is a centrally sponsored scheme and ample funds for complete maintenance of the roads are provided, unlike other schemes. “Therefore, NH-155 has been taken over by the NPWD recently also keeping in view the benefits it implies for the general public. The creation of a new division will result in the appointment of new and young engineers, ministerial staff, etc and the allotment of works to local contractors, etc.”
“Therefore the public is requested to extend their understanding and to see a bigger picture in the interest of the younger generation.”
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