I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 4 lives and many injured in the collapse of the bridge near the CIHSR (Referral) Hospital at Dimapur-Niuland road on the 11th July 2017.
On taking up the responsibility of Minister In-Charge of the Roads & bridges Department, I had personally inspected the bridge twice along with the officials of the department in order to get a first hand information of the state of the bridges and issued necessary instructions to the departmental officers for its strengthening. Some funds were also provided during 2015, and rehabilitation works were carried out. In view of the deteriorating condition of the bridge, a new RCC T-Beam bridge was sanctioned and work order issued for constriction which was to commence after the monsoon. It is a very unfortunate turn of event that has caused loss and injury of precious lives and caused so much of inconvenience to the public and the road users. As the Minister of the Department, I own moral responsibility for the debacle and express my personal apology to the public for the unpleasant incident. A departmental inquiry shall be initialed in order to find out the details of the failure of the bridge.
I convey my heartfelt condolence to the family members of the deceased and pray for speedy recovery of those injured. I also appeal the public to bear with the department till the new bridge is constructed for the said road to become fully operational.
Y. Vikheho Swu
Minister
Public Works Department
(Roads & Bridges)
Nagaland: Kohima
