The old Chathe Bridge at New Chümoukedima is unstable and on the verge of collapse. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 26
The four decade old Chathe Bridge, formerly known as the KJP sub-highway bridge over the Chathe River at New Chümoukedima which serves as a lifeline to the villages on the other side, is unstable and on the verge of collapsing.
The said bridge, which connects one of the oldest state highways, was inaugurated on February 26, 1983 by the then Chief Minister, SC Jamir. Since then, it was informed, there have been no attempts to either repair or renovate the bridge.
Today, due to the rusting of girders and truss joints, the bridge has weakened and is posing a serious threat on the lives of the commuters, as it sways precariously when vehicles pass across it. Subsequently, the New Chümoukedima village has put up a sign board cautioning heavy vehicles.
The Morung Express accessed documents provided in reply to an RTI filed by a concerned citizen with regard to the bridge. As per the documents, the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) had issued a single work order for the construction of four RCC Girder Bridges over Chathe, Darű, Hekhaperű, and Terű under Dimapur division to M/s Naagaamü Infratech Pvt Ltd with a total fund amounting to Rs 45.68 Cr on September 21 2016.
As per the terms and conditions issued by the CE, PWD (R&B) on September 21, 2016, the work should be completed within 24 months (2 years), and the date of commencement shall be reckoned after 10 days from the date of issue of this work order.
However, even after six years have passed by, the contractor has failed to construct the bridges, except for one, the bridge over river Hekhaperu for which payment has also been made to the contractor.
In response to the RTI dated August 19, 2020, the Director of M/s Naagaamü Infratech Pvt Ltd stated that the “other three (bridges) are yet to be started due to some local issues which are under negotiation for clearance of land compensation since the location of the bridge over Chathe River and its approach road falls under private lands.”
He further reasoned “the change of location of the Chathe Bridge to the new approved location will economize the cost of the project, and therefore medication and rectification of the work order is needed for which I am processing the same.”
The Director also attributed the construction of the Dimapur-Kohima 4-lane highway to the non-construction of the bridges stating “the approach road to the Chathe bridge location is cut off, and I am working with NHIDCL authority to resolve the same at the earliest.”
He assured that “once all those issues are settled and the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic improves, I will resume the work to construct the other three bridges and complete the project.”
Speaking to The Morung Express, New Chümoukedima Village Council Chairperson, Bao Hama when asked about the land issue, concurred that there is a problem with the land owner, who is said to be charging exorbitant compensation.
At the same time, expressing grave concern on the instability of the bridge, he said it would be good if the construction of the new bridge is done at the earliest. He further informed that since plying of heavy vehicles has been restricted, people are facing hardship to transport goods and building materials.
A citizen of Rüzaphema village, Mechüsielie Kehie commented “even after nearly 6 years of issuing the work order, construction for the other three periling bridges has not even begun.” Noting that the condition of these bridges are now in a dilapidated state and plying of heavy vehicles is restricted, he said this is causing not only enormous inconveniences to the public, but also endangering the lives of thousands of commuters who ply this route daily, as this is their main lifeline.
He questioned, “Why is the government doing nothing to ensure that contractual works are completed on time?” He viewed that if the firm is unable to undertake the work being awarded, the matter should be investigated and the same should be awarded to another competent firm.
“Their sheer incompetence and gross negligence should not jeopardize public safety. Any further delay will not only pose a threat to public safety but also escalate the present precarious conditions, wreaking havoc on its citizens,” stated Kehie.
He also maintained that every right-thinking citizen should question the government for its disservice and hold it accountable.
