Dimapur, Oct. 5 (EMN): Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton paid a visit to the 4th Mile-Niuland road on Sat. October 5 during which he interacted with community members and government functionaries concerning the said road.
Community groups in the area are said to have been tending to the upkeep of the road from own resources.
Departmental officials accompanied the minister.
Patton is also in charge of the Public Works department (roads and bridges).
The deputy chief minister’s office issued a press release on Saturday informing about his visit to the area.
According to the updates in the press release, members of village Councils, Gaon Burah, and elders and student leaders of various villages in the area met with the minister. They apprised him of the deplorable condition of the area “which has since been left unattended since the last decade, adding that this is one of the busiest roads in Nagaland which has connectivity with other districts,” according to the press release.
“Throughout these years, the councils have been maintaining the road with their own resources and were dismayed that, even after several memorandums and representations being submitted on various occasions to subsequent governments have never materialised.”
However, the updates stated, they are hopeful that the minister would fulfil their long-cherished dream of having a good road.
They are stated to have assured the minister of their ‘full cooperation’ if a project is implemented.
The 4th Mile-Niuland road falls under two assembly constituencies, Ghaspani-1 assembly constituency and Ghaspani-2 assembly constituency, the press release stated.
‘After giving a patient hearing, the deputy chief minister assured that he along with both representatives of that area will take up the matter with the chief minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, on priority basis, for sanction of funds,” the press release stated.
Patton was stated to have assured, according to the statement, ‘If the project is taken up, he will personally pay periodic visits to ensure quality workmanship and even put up signboard with the names of contractor and supervisory officer which is the executive engineer.’
The minister has appealed for cooperation from stakeholders of the area comprising several villages as they will be the guardians and beneficiaries.
The press release also mentioned the minister for PHED Jacob Zhimomi as having thanked Patton for visiting the constituency adding that he is the first PWD for roads and bridges minister to pay a visit to the area. The minister assured Patton all possible help, the updates stated.
A separate press release from the Niuland Area GBs’ Association that was received here on Saturday expressed appreciation to the two ministers for the visit.
The association appealed for early redress of the grievances and ‘let the public witness development,’ the press release stated.
