DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 15 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) today clarified that it has no intention to obstruct the proposed construction of the 4 Lane Dimapur-Kohima road.
A press note from the NCSU said it would render full cooperation for successful completion of the project. “The NCSU would appeal to all responsible citizens of Nagaland not to be misled by propaganda and speculation but to understand the truth behind it,” it appealed.
However, the NCSU stated that it has time and again raised objection against M/s Gayatri & Maytas joint venture (JV), which it said has “miserably failed in the construction of 2 Lanning of Longleng-Changtongya,Tamlu-Merangkong road, Phek-Pfütsero and Zunheboto-Chakhabama road under SARDP Phase-1.” This was awarded to them in 2010 with total tender amount of Rs. 987 crores and the work order amount of Rs. 1131 crores was enhanced to Rs. 2988 crores, which was almost triple from the original DPR. “And so far Rs. 383 crores approximately has been released to the company, whereas work completion is not even 1km till date,” the NCSU stated. It questioned “how this huge amount was spent?” “The NCSU is of the strong opinion that the same fate should not be repeated in the future in the construction of other mega projects in Nagaland,” it stated.
Informing that the same company has been awarded another work in the proposed construction of 4 Lane Dimapur-Kohima road in package No.3 (three) from Pephima to Jotsoma bypass, the NCSU expressed “reservation that the said company may not be able to execute the work properly and with workmanship according to the laid specifications.” It therefore appealed to all stakeholders “to put our common welfare above personal interest as Dimapur- Kohima NH 29 is the lifeline for the entire State.”
The NCSU also expressed regret at a recent statement reported to have been made by the Commissioner and Secretary, Work & Housing, Government of Nagaland. The NCSU claimed that the Commissioner and Secretary had “defended M/s. Gayatri & Maytas (JV) with regard to the failure of SARDP Phase-1 project and also in getting work under the 4 Lanning Dimapur-Kohima road...” “Further, the statement of the Commissioner & Secretary of the W&H department that the SARDP Phase-1 was not Abandoned by M/s. Gayatri & Maytas (JV) is misleading and not true as all the commuters of these roads are living witnesses and at the same time the question of making indirect intimidation to the company by NCSU does not arise because everyone knows that the NCSU always stands for common welfare, justice and fairness,” it added.
Meanwhile, appreciating the position and the concern shown by the Western Angami Public Organisation (WAPO) regarding the proposed construction of 4 Lanning Dimapur- Kohima road under its jurisdiction, the NCSU however appealed for the WAPO to work hand in hand with NCSU with full understanding for the common interest.
It also asked all NGOs and civil society groups of all levels in Nagaland to “stand united for our common good.”
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