DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 28 (MExN): The CPO Committee on 2 Lane Road from Chakhabama-Zunheboto and Phek-Pfutsero has urged respective village/town authorities and the administration to address local issues slowing down progress of works at the earliest and enable the contractor to speed up their work so that the project is accomplished within the stipulated time.
A press release from the committee acknowledged the Phek DC for initiating joint inspection of the road’s progress on November 25 and 26. The inspection team team consisted of EAC Chetheba, EAC Sekruzu, SDO (C) Phek, SDO (C) Pfutsero, representatives of NHIDCL (Chozuba sector), GM Shivalaya, Madhucon, KKB, CPO Committee, CRPO, CCPO, Pfutsero-Phek Youth Front and concerned village/town authorities.
It informed that Shivalaya had successfully and timely completed their portion in Package-I though with little ongoing work, which is expected to be completed soon. In Package-II, however, the committee noted that the work has slowed down, “reportedly because of hindrances by several locals at several locations.”
“In Package-III (Madhucon portion) some surface cuttings are still left but black topping are yet to be done. Madhucon is urged to initiate the pending work when season is at the best time for this kind of work,” it appealed.
The committee also observed that the contract between Shivalaya and the government will expire by May 31 and that the requisite clearance for work in the obstructed area (especially in Package-II) should be given latest by December 31, failing which the contractor may abandon those obstructed portions thereafter. Any kind of road obstruction should not be allowed by local authorities, it asserted.
From Phek to Pfutsero the work is almost completed with little ongoing work in few locations, the committee informed.
It further stated that concerns have been raised by the public, especially by the PP Youth Front on the quality and durability of black topping work done by Madhucon and KKB on the Phek to Pfutsero Road. “No one is expecting that just few months after black topping, it will sink, crack or pill out. Secondly, due to nature of loose and unsettled soil from Phek to Khomi and even beyond, the urgency of protective/breast/retaining wall all along the hillside is found inevitable to sustain the road project and prevent future damage around,” the committee stated.
This, it added, demands extra ordinary measures, “therefore, all the inspection team members agreed to request NHIDCL to consider and provide this provision at the earliest.”
During the inspection, the committee had noted a few discrepancies which have occurred due to communication gap and misapprehension “from either side of stakeholders.” The committee informed that it would be submitting the detailed inspection report to concerned authority(s).
It meanwhile appealed to the local authorities to uphold their constitutional responsibility and ensure that no member/party is allowed to block/obstruct the ongoing work anywhere or succumb to the “force of the obstructionists.”
“Grievances need to be addressed at the appropriate level; it should not become an obstruction to public welfare,” it said.
.jpg)
