What everybody long to see in this part of the world today is a little superior quality of works, whether it’s a culvert, drainage, public footpath, or blacktopping of public roads. The quality of works on public properties has not improved over the years in spite of the economic growth and increase in skilled engineers and contractors. I kind of heard that, works are poorly constructed in Nagaland so that provision for more works can be availed after early damage. Could that poor policy be the reason why Nagaland is behind other parts of the world in its infrastructure? Good things become better, but sub-standard things hardly become a standard quality. What a great idea it would be if we start providing good quality works to pave the way for better works towards modernization of out towns and villages!
This culvert (in picture) was built in 1986 at Rukizu in Phek district by Mr. Thepunu Cho-o of Phusachodu village. He wasn’t excited when he received the bill because it was just Rs.25,000. (Perhaps, it was because he is not a contractor by profession?). So, he didn’t make any profit since there’s no provision for bonus on excellent jobs but he has no regrets! The construction of this section of the road involved two pieces of huge Hume pipe, ten plus truck loads of boulder stones, and of course soil filling besides sand, cement, and fine Rada stones for culverts. But, today the man who constructed this section of the road is more than happy, because after 31 years it is still stronger than any section of the newly constructed roads – no potholes, no sinking and the culverts are still intact. People Come and Go but the Legacy Remains; start creating a legacy while you’re still alive! What John Keats said in the early 19th century is still a beautiful thing we should all embrace: “A Thing of beauty is a Joy Forever.” Beautiful things we create today will bring us joy for many years to come.
C. Cho-o
