DIMAPUR, APRIL 22 (MExN): Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors Union (NGRC-1CU), in a representation to the Governor of Nagaland on Friday demanded that the firm Maytas & Gayatri (JV) should be allowed to execute the construction of four laning of Dimapur-Kohima highway amounting to Rs 340 crore only after completion of the 4 road projects under SARDP Phase-1 in Nagaland.
The two-laning road projects, which were awarded to the firm in 2010, include: the Longleng–Changtongya road; Mon–Tamlu–Merangkong road, Phek–Pfütsero road, and Zunheboto–Chakhabama road.
Referring to the latest Comptroller and Auditor General of India report (CAG) on the SARDP project, the Union, through its president Seyiekuolie and general secretary L. Pukhato Shohe, stated that “Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) had approved two–laning of the four roads on April 2010 in one package for Rs 1, 296 crore including percentage charges.”
However, the CAG report, according to the Union had pointed out that “not a single kilometer in any of the four roads was completed despite an expenditure of Rs 602.34 crore incurred on execution of work.”
It also observed that no further progress of work was achieved on any of the four roads since August 2012 and the single–lane roads, which previously existed, had degraded and rendered almost unusable thereby causing hardship to the communities.
The Union has also alleged that the contract work under SARDP-NE awarded to Maytas & Gayatri (JV) at Rs 1130. 67 crore was 21.47% above the Nagaland PWD Schedule of Rate (SOR)-2010. “This means an additional 245.81 crore has been freely gifted as bonus” to the firm, it claimed.
The Union also alleged, citing ‘reliable source,’ and also from the representative of Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt Ltd that the Maytas & Gayatri (JV) firm after deducting a high commission has further sublet the entire project to one Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd at the Nagaland SOR-2010 rate.
It also alleged that Ratna Infrastructure project Pvt. Ltd. has been negotiating to sublet the works at less than 50% below SOR 2010 by further subletting the work for its actual implementation to the local entrepreneurs.
In this connection, the Union said it had requested to meet the chairmen of Gayatri & Maytas and Ratna Infrastructure project Pvt. Ltd but only a middleman of the latter met the Union in the office of the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, PWD Housing.
The Union also said it had submitted a representation to the Prime Minister of India and Minister of PWD (Road & bridges), Nagaland in this regard.
