KOHIMA, MARCH 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) has expressed concerns over the delayed implementation and failure to adhere to the specifications for PMGSY-III road projects in the state.
In a press statement issued by NCSU President Pele Khezhie and General Secretary John Kath, the Union said it previously objected to the implementation of PMGSY-III projects in the state through the Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) method due to difficulty posed by the topography. The Union had also requested that one contractor be assigned to each of the 40 project works.
The Union emphasized that these concerns were highlighted in a representation submitted to the Chief Minister of Nagaland on July 21, 2023, with copies sent to the relevant Minister, Chief Secretary, and the Department of Roads & Bridges.
Despite these concerns, the Department of Roads & Bridges insisted that the 25-40 tonne Reclamation machines could be brought to the state for the projects. The Department also grouped the 40 projects into 16 clusters and issued the work order on March 21, 2024, contrary to the NCSU’s request for one contractor per project.
After the issuance of the work order, the NCSU accepted the Department's assurance that the specifications for the projects would be followed. However, nearly a year after the work order was issued, the NCSU convened an emergency general meeting on February 26, 2025, to assess the progress of the projects. The meeting was attended by executives, advisors, and district unit officials.
During the inspection, NCSU directed its members to verify the progress of the 40 projects and submit reports by March 13, 2025. The inspections revealed that, despite the work order being issued in March 2024, many of the projects did not begin until December 2024 or January 2025.
Additionally, the NCSU found that, contrary to the Department’s claims, no Reclamation machines were present at most project sites. The only machine found was in Rusoma village, Kohima District, but it was unable to operate due to the terrain.
The delayed start of the projects has raised concerns about meeting the completion deadline of 18 months from the issuance of the work order, with only six months remaining.
The NCSU stated that it does not oppose contractors working on the projects, but emphasized the importance of successful implementation for the benefit of the villagers who are the intended beneficiaries of PMGSY-III.
The Union has called on the Department of Roads & Bridges to fulfill its commitment to completing the projects within the stipulated 18-month period and to deploy the necessary FDR machines across all 40 sites, as previously assured. The NCSU also urged the Department to adhere to the full requirements outlined in the NIT for the successful execution of the projects.
The Union warned that it would not remain passive if the Department fails to meet the stipulations of the NIT for the PMGSY-III projects.
