Kohima, March 24 (MExN): Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) has reiterated its stand that its demand for open tender is not only for the ongoing “historic project” of the Foothill road construction, but as usual embraces all other major contract works or projects in Nagaland. NCSU said this in response to a news item regarding Nagaland Foothill road construction which appeared in local dailies, wherein it was stated that the “ten tribal hohos also resolved to ask the Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union to immediately withdraw their news statement in respect of the Foothill road project, failing which the NCSU members would not be allowed to execute any contract works within the jurisdiction of the ten tribes.”
While appreciating the sentiments of the ten tribal hohos, NCSU in a press statement appended by its president Pele Khezhie and general secretary John Kath asserted that NCSU has been advocating the rights and privileges of the registered contractors and to ensure quality and standard workmanship through open tender for the last 38 years since its inception. “Therefore, our stand for open tender with regard to the ongoing Foothill road construction is legitimate and not intended against any particular tribe or hoho as we have been voicing for the common interest and welfare of the people of Nagaland as a whole.” As a matter of fact, NCSU added, any NGO cannot override the rules framed and enforced by the competent authority.
Further, lauding the Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) under whose leadership the “much needed” project could be taken up, NCSU stated it “would ultimately leave the matter to the fellow Naga citizens to judge who is truly working for justice and fairness.” Hence, it reiterated its demand that all major projects in the state be carried out with all fairness through open tender for selection of contractors.
