4-lane project: Local contractors seal deal with ECI

• Construction of 15-km odd long stretch in Medziphema area started • ECI company promises to complete construction within 2 years Dimapur, Dec. 7: After hammering out a final deal with ECI Engineering and Construction Company – the construction firm to which two out of the three packages of 4-lane NH between Dimapur and Kohima were awarded – the Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers Union (NCSU) have started construction works for the first package. The deal between ECI and the local contractors pertains only to the first package of the contract which is about 15 km long and falls in Medziphema area. NCSU sources informed that construction works have started since November 30 last. The final agreement between the ECI and NCSU, which has around 80 local contractors as its members, was signed in the fourth week of November in Hyderabad. The other package was awarded to M/s Gayatri Projects Limited. Also, a press release from the NCSU on Wednesday informed that it had hosted a 9-member team of ECI Engineering & Construction Company, during their visit to Kohima for the Hornbill Festival on December 6 and 7. “The NCSU officials and members led by president, Pele Khezhie organised a welcome programme in Kohima yesterday, wherein Get Gorgeous Society, Dimapur enthralled the visiting guests led by ECI chairman, Kaza Venkat Rao by showcasing a fusion of traditional and modern wear from Nagaland and also other north eastern states as well as special music.“On behalf of the visiting team, ECI Board member V V Prasad while expressing happiness over the warm welcome, described Naga people as ‘beautiful’ and filled with warmth. He also appreciated the existence of gender equality in the Naga society, while citing the women police traffic and IRB personnel,” the press release stated. He also lauded Nagas for the good sanitary habits such as avoiding open defecation and urination, it added. On the ongoing constructions works, it stated, Prasad had maintained that the Company would work towards completing the project within two years and help the Naga people “in improvising the lifestyle without any pot-holes on the said route.” NCSU general secretary, John Kath delivered the welcome address and also felicitated the guests with traditional wears and mementos. The visiting team left on Wednesday, it informed.