‘Unnecessary demand or extortion from contractors should not be done’
Chizokho Vero
Thüvopisü | April 22
Affirming the DAN government’s commitment to give highest priority to the road sector, Minister for Roads & Bridges and Parliamentary Affairs, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu today reiterated his clarion call to the people to extend their cooperation to enable better roads in Nagaland.
The minister declared that the department alone would not be in a position to make the desired changes happen unless there is a collective effort. “If Naga people want good road, all the section of the people should cooperate with the government, bet it legislators, bureaucrats, technocrats, national workers and general public,” Azo said while flagging off Thüvopisü to Kohima via Rünguzu NST bus service here this morning.
The minister stated that unnecessary demand or extortion from contractors should not be done, “because this is one of the biggest factors hampering our roads.” Announcing some of priorities, he said that a series of training programmes would be conducted for Engineers, SDOs, Contractors, etc in order to equip them with the latest technologies and other matters concerning road constructions in Nagaland.
Azo also informed that an annual conclave for working engineers across Nagaland would be held wherein the progress report of each district/division through power point presentation and videography evidence would be presented.
Observing that deterioration of roads occur due to non-compliance with the requisite specifications, he called for strict adherence on this issue. He expressed hopefulness that some tangible changes would emerge within three or four years provided the public extend their cooperation.
The minister also stated that he would focus on achievable targets and see that quality work is done in all undertakings. Terming the introduction of the NST bus service (Thüvopisü – Kohima) as a “blessed moment” for the populace of Phek and Chozuba Assembly Constituency, the Minister urged upon the people to avail the facility and gain maximum benefit from it.
He called upon the public to pay attention on sustainability of this newly introduced NST bus service so that the service is not withdrawn due to low revenue generation.
It may be mentioned that the introduction of this bus service bought about thunderous cheers from the populace of this area as they will henceforth save Rs. 220 by using NST bus service against Rs. 300 they are currently paying for Tata Sumos from Thüvopisü to Kohima.
Apart from easy access and lesser fares in comparison to private taxis, any passenger traveling on the NST bus with ticket is also applicable for compensation in the event of any unfortunate accident. Thüvopisü village lies 82 km from Kohima. The 40 seater NST bus fare stands at Rs.80 (Thüvopisü), Rs 70 (Rünguzu) and Rs. 62 (Rünguzu Nasa). Service time scheduled is as follows: Kohima-12:00 noon and Thüvopisü- 6:00 am. Vikiho, AGM, NST Kohima; Polal John, ADC Chozuba and Thepule, President CRPO also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by Pusazo Lürüo while a vote of thanks was proposed by Thüvopisü VCC, Vesathü Dozo.
