Dimapur, March 12 (MExN): The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has strongly refuted claims that it requested “contract work allotments” for the ongoing construction works on foothill roads and termed it “distorted and blatant lies.”
As per the committee, the Minister of PWD Road & Bridges G Kaito Aye reportedly told the recently concluded Sixth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly that “NFHRCC had requested for contract work allotments” but as they did not meet the necessary criteria, the works were instead assigned through registered contractors.
“This statement of distorted and blatant lies by a highly acclaimed seasoned politician on the floor of the house appears seemingly inappropriate and was considered disproportionately misleading,” the NFHRCC stated in a rejoinder on March 12.
In contrast, the committee asserted that the Nagaland Public Works Department (R&B) requested the NFHRCC to recommend four contract works to reputed and qualified contractor firms.
Accordingly, a sub-committee member was constituted to identify the contractors and an endorsement letter was sent to the department on October 28, 2024, it clarified.
Prior to the selection of the contractors, as late as May 8, 2024, the committee had submitted a 7-point memorandum to the Department pertaining to the allocation of contract works, which was also published in daily newspapers on May 9, the NFHRCC added.
The 7-point charter called for the adoption of ‘extraordinary precaution’ on the criteria for the selection of qualified registered contractors.
To accommodate, promote and give leverage to the credentials of young upcoming local Naga contractors, it also suggested the distribution of the length of works on the basis of 10-15 km only to each qualified contractor.
The charter also demanded that no qualified contractor shall be allotted works in more than one site and that no contractor shall be allocated works applied below the prescribed SOR (Schedule of Rates) or at most up to 5% only.
A tripartite agreement to be signed consisting of the Department, the contractors and the NFHRCC to maintain smooth and timely execution of the allocated works, it added.
It further called for strict adherence to the approved CE Testing Co Ltd alignments in every division and also advocated for equal and fair distribution of funds based on the actual technical DPR (Detailed Project Report) in each division.
In this connection, the NFHRCC ‘strongly’ urged the PWD (R&B) Minister to retract his Assembly speech either through print or visual media in the larger interest of the public.
Sümi Hoho seeks clarification
Meanwhile, on March 12, the Sümi Hoho (SH) sought clarification from the NFHRCC regarding allegations made by the Minister.
In a press release, the SH termed the development “concerning” as the NFHRCC was not formed to undertake construction but to facilitate and ensure the project's timely completion with transparency and quality.
While acknowledging the pivotal role of the NFHRCC in advocating for the vital road project, the SH noted that deviation from its original mandate necessitates clarification to uphold public confidence.
To this end, it urged the NFHRCC to provide a transparent response to address these concerns.
Further, the SH conveyed its strong objection to what it described as the “personal attack” made by the NFHRCC against PWD (R&B) Minister Aye in statements published in the media on February 28.
As a seven-term legislator and one of the most senior leaders, Minister Aye’s contributions should be met with due respect, it held, asserting that the language used by the NFHRCC has not only “disrespected him but also hurt the sentiments of his community.”
This is an issue the SH cannot ignore and the NFHRCC Convenor has been formally communicated to either issue an apology or take appropriate corrective measures, it added.
However, the SH noted that the committee has remained silent on the matter.
Hence, while extending its continuous support to the broader objectives of the NFHRCC, the SH asserted that “personal attacks questioning the Minister’s experience and competence are unacceptable.”
The SH expects a responsible and timely response from the committee, it added.
