The Thevopisu and Runguzu villagers’ on their own volition has for several decades engaged to maintain for a motor able Phek-Chozuba road for their survival and other economic purpose. The road arguably the oldest in the district constructed after the Britishers used it for transportation during Second World War, has carved a niche for itself. The road was then maintained by the state Government since attainment of statehood, where even basic infrastructures still remain a distant dream for the apathy best known to the Government. Despite of fund released to the contractor to the tune Rs.14, 93, 31000/- (Rupees Fourteen Crores Ninety Three Lakhs Thirty one Thousand) in 2oo8-09, for the construction of this road but for some unknown reason the project came to a standstill even before completion of half the work as per approved “Detail Project Report”(DPR). Perplexed and frustrated with the same dreary situation the villagers voluntarily organize a mass social work once again from 12th,(Saturday) to 18th,Oct’ 2012, to clear the thickets, and remove landslides with the help of machines (JCB) at the villagers own expenses because there was no taker to maintain and keep the road accessible from the side of the department nor from the contractor except intermittent intervention from the District Disaster Management Authority, (DDMA) headed by its Chairman the Deputy Commissioner and few private players from the higher echelons of politicians soon after the contractor wound off its activity in the project.
Reminding the statement of the Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Phek, “Rejoinder to DCC-I Phek, press statement” published in local News paper Dated 11th May 2011, that “due to faulty DPR the sanctioned amount was less and insufficient to complete the whole job of the work”. While the principle of the project proposal was wonderful the motive behind in its formulation is born out of nefarious design bent on heartless usury of people’s rights. Deeply concern over its structuring which have resulted to discrimination in the allotment of funds exploiting the most ambitious project embarked by the Ministry of DONER. I would highlight issues being faced that, the expert(s) consultant, who prepared the DPR clearly presented that the road in question has the required “formation and carriage width of 6.00m and 3.75m respectively and therefore, no widening is required” according to the road design and specification in the project report. Would such negligence neither expediting without physical verification nor observing proper technicalities be left with impunity? Defeating the very purpose of the Government’s policy of the day that determined to develop road sector for the entire country alone in this case has lost all meaning. To believe the statement we are made to face would not have arisen had the Government with the master switch being aware of redeploying basics legal dealings to deliver solution, so far there has not been significant action. There is a credible apprehension that the Ministry has set certain terms and conditions before implementing the “Technical Sanction” which is why the case of revision could not play the frontline role.
More so if the contractor accepted and signed the Agreement to execute the terms and conditions of the specified rules of Development of Road Transport Highways (DoRTH) or the state schedule agreement, in the process then, the reason behind “DPR” revision is ostensible, incomprehensible and questionable. Therefore, it is confident that the authorities will read between the lines and understand the situation prevalent, and not succumb to the entreaties of vested quarters and bring to book those responsible for the imbroglio. The hapless villagers, in spite of being subjected to numerous instances of discrimination in the past, are continuously striving to let the arms of justice prevail. This is indeed a cry for justice. The concern is to draw attention of all concerned “that the need and expectations of the people” should not be drown in the hands of few vested person.
Sincerely yours,
Dezoto Rhakho
Ex. Candidate, RJD 19TH Phek, A/C
