Dimapur, May 15 (MExN): The contractor overseeing the ongoing road construction in Chozuba town clarified today that the viral videos and photos related burning of road surface with gas cylinder was undertaken merely to 'clear unwanted weeds which had sprouted on the surface while the work had stopped following incessant rain during the Grade-I and Grade-II works period.'"
Nagaland Advisor to Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD) & Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, called for an immediate investigation into the issue on May 14.
"The work for the said project resumed only after burning the weeds and also spraying herbicides on the spot. The remaining works including laying of Grade-III is yet to be completed," clarified Zakie Angami, the contractor, in a rejoinder to the Advisor.
The contractor further clarified that the construction road is progressing well and implied that the social media posts to which the Advisor reacted was premature.
"As the contractor of the project, we have been following all laid down specifications by the PWD (R&B) to deliver quality works at all costs," he added.
The contractor also expressed appreciation to the local MLA (the Advisor) for his concern about the quality of work in Chozuba town.
However, he expressed disheartenment that the Advisor reacted solely based on social media posts and made unfounded demands for action without seeking clarification from either the department or the contractor, which was disheartening
This has tarnished the image of the contractor as well as the department, he added.
The contractor also alleged that while the work is in progress, two persons from the area have been creating a nuisance against the workforce by damaging the surfaces with vehicle keys on the pretext of quality checks.
Claiming to be landowners, they even went to the extent of threatening the workers, leading to many laborers fleeing the site, he maintained.
Accordingly, the contractor urged the ADC Chozuba to check such unwanted activities so that the project can be completed on time.
