Morung Express News Dimapur | April 10 Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports, Khekaho Assumi on Monday inspected the ongoing construction of Swimming Pool in Dimapur behind IMC Hall. The total cost of the project amounting to Rs 2. 49 crore was sanctioned by the DoNER Ministry under NLCPR on a Public Private Partnership mode for which the contract was awarded to Nagaland Youth Gymnastic Club. It was informed during the inspection that out of the total cost, Rs 2 crore approximately has been paid while the remaining amount of Rs 43 lakh approximately (after deducting State share) was pending payment. The contractors said that inauguration of the Swimming Pool was tentatively scheduled in the month of May 2017 and assured the government of completing in two months if the pending amount was released. Khekaho, however, said that they could take even three months on the condition that good workmanship was exhibited and all technical specifications followed strictly. Even as Rs 2 crore was already paid, there were strong opinions that the works completed so far did not commensurate with the amount paid leading to doubts that even if the remaining Rs 43 lakh is to be released, the project might not be completed. Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Asangla Imti said, “we want the project to be completed in time.” She also informed that many ongoing projects have been stalled due to the change in the funding pattern. The Swimming Pool is being constructed for the welfare of the youths, students, sports persons and public. Its foundation stone was laid by former Governor, Shyamal Datta IPS (retd) in 2003. Khekaho was also scheduled to visit the ongoing construction of Multi Disciplinary Sports Complex, Dimapur near DC Court junction, however, the inspection could not take place since the contractor did not turn up even though the Department informed the latter to be present. Later, Khekaho visited the football boy’s hostel at the Stadium premises and also the Badminton Indoor Stadium at Nagarjan. The Parliamentary Secretary told the Department officials to pull up their socks and regularly monitor all ongoing projects to see that works were being carried out strictly as per specifications. Khekaho, who arrived Dimapur from Delhi on Monday informed that the central government has agreed to set up Taekwondo Academy in Dimapur with a cost project of Rs 10-15 crore. He said the central government had also agreed in principle to set up Badminton Academy and Aqua Park in Dimapur.
