Members of NFHRCC with Tribal Hoho representatives after a meeting on February 20. (Morung Photo)
Controversy over refusal of NFHRCC terms by contractors
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 20
The long delayed Nagaland foothills road is likely headed for another road block. The project, also known as the Trans-Nagaland Expressway, has a chequered history, marked and marred by controversies since its launch in 2013.
The latest controversy has had the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), up in arms against two construction firms over alleged refusal to come to terms with an “agreement” proposed by the committee. The NFHRCC says it has the patronage of 12 tribe hohos of Nagaland, which have batted for the construction of the foothills road.
NFHRCC Convenor, Supu Jamir told the media on February 20 that the committee sat with representatives from the 12 tribes, in Dimapur, to discuss concerns relating to two firms— M/S Chabou & Co and JK Construction announcing to launch work in Khumjo Yan, falling in the Baghthy Division of the PWD (Road & Bridges) in Wokha district.
The NFHRCC contends that the launch, scheduled on February 21, is proceeding without proper communication and by ignoring to sign the terms of the agreement it proposed to all contractors, contracted by the state government, for building the foothills road. According to it, the agreement relates to maintaining quality work and timely execution by the contractors, and the firms refusing to comply will not be allowed to execute the work.
While other firms have signed the agreement, the NFHCC held that the two aforementioned firms have refused signing it. A key point of contention in the agreement revolves around the issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the NFHRCC for clearing bills to the contractors.
According to Jamir, “point number 7” of the agreement stipulates that the committee will conduct an inspection before issuing the NOC. If the work meets specifications, the NOC will be issued, enabling the department to release funds. However, if the work falls short of specifications, the NOC will be withheld. Some contractors, including but not limited to the two firms, are reportedly not comfortable with this clause.
In a statement to the media on February 10, the NFHRCC said that it had invited all firms that have been contracted for the foothills road, to sign an implementation agreement with the committee on December 17, 2024, to ensure transparency and maintain construction standards.
Jamir made mention of a February 7 meeting called by the PWD (R&B) Minister with the 12 tribe hohos to resolve the deadlock. He claimed that at the meeting the Minister assured to convene a meeting of the contractors, NFHRCC and the PWD (R&B). However, he said that the meeting has not happened yet.
Stating that the two firms are acting surreptitiously, Jamir said that they will not be allowed to launch the work in Khumjo Yan. He added that the PWD (R&B) the Lotha Hoho, within whose jurisdiction the project falls, have received no official intimation of the planned launch, despite repeated inquiries.
“We (NFHRCC) and the Hohos have unanimously resolved not allow to the firms to launch the construction till they sign the agreements,” he said, while adding that they will be writing to the concerned minister and department the night itself to stop the launch.
He cautioned that the contractors will be held responsible for any ensuing consequences.
Concerns regarding potential political interference in the project were also raised during the media address. M/s Chabou & Co is owned by the Chief Minister’s son, while JK Construction is connected to the CM through marriage.
Jamir maintained that the works were awarded by the PWD and not the committee. He added, “Our concern is that if they execute the work as per specifications, the committee will be happy. But knowingly, we will not allow politicising the matter.”
