Tuensang based NGOs grill PHED over water scheme

TUENSANG, Sept 16 (Mexn): A total of 23 frontal non governmental organizations based in Tuensang have strongly reacted against the use of galvanized iron pipe in place of ductile iron pipes by the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) for Gravity Water supply from Chendang to Tuensang Town. The organizations have alleged that out of the Rs 1864.26 lakh sanctioned by the Union Minister for Urban Development towards implementation of Gravity water supply to Tuensang town vide order No. 0-12023/1/2004 (CPHEEO) dated 14/01/2005, the Chief Engineer, PHED Nagaland has shown through his departmental order a sum of only Rs 1511.80 lakh as having been sanctioned by the Centre. It has further been alleged that a sum of Rs 5 crore had been drawn earlier for the said works. However, no such work is being executed, according to reports. “Therefore, the amount already drawn should also be recovered and cleared for transparency in the course of implementation,” a joint representation submitted to the Chief Minister by the organizations has stated. Another contention made against the department is that the PHED, citing a shortage in funds, has started constructing GI reservoir tanks instead of C/C reservoir tanks as laid down in the original estimate. In this regard, the newly formed All Students’ Union, Tuensang Town, has stated that the PHED, Nagaland, in direct disregard to the Union Ministry’s recommendation, is implementing the use of galvanized Iron pipes which are cheaper than Ductile Iron pipes and less durable. According to reports, the Gravity Water Supply to Tuensang Town is to cover a distance of 28.6 kilometers and is to be implemented with 200mm Ductile Iron pipes which have a life span of more than 80 years.   

The release issued by the organizations adds, “This water supply work to Tuensang Town is a big scheme which involves several crores of rupees. Such work should be done only by a reliable and registered contractor after floating a legal tender. But whereas, this construction work is being done by the Department itself by employing all the work charge employees,