Several write ups have appeared in local dailies now and then about bad road conditions and collapsed bridges resulting in death of some precious lives. We can easily imagine how far flung areas in Nagaland are plying their vehicles.
Here, in and around capital town of Kohima and commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur, the weak bridges are too risky to ply every day. In Kohima, the lifeline bridge of the New Secretariat was washed away by torrential rain 3 years back. The narrow alternative route was constructed after several months. Instead of coming up with a new vehicular road bridge, a wooden footbridge had come up. Now the public is to eager to see the new bridge to come up.
Last year I happene to come across those offices located surrounding the New Secretariat contributed some amount to repair the roads. If Delhi and state Govt. are too reluctant to rebuild the main secretariat bridge, I would suggest that all departments contribute some amount to rebuild the same to serve the public better.
Now a little below capital town about 10 kms from Kohima, Dzuza bridge is on the verge of collapsing. The foundation of the bridge had developed some cracks posing threats for vehicles to ply on, but with the help of bamboo ladder some superficial repairing were undertaken but this won't help in the long run. The workmanship and material quality work is sub-standard.
I would suggest that from now onwards the concerned department display contractor's/firm's name, total amount sanctioned against the bridge at the site. Public should be made aware that the amount sanctioned was sufficient to build a strong structure or not. A contractor or firm should not take away disproportionate profits at the cost of Naga citizens. In the event of any untimely damage or collapse of the bridge, the contractor or firm should be accountable and held responsible for any lost of life or properties.
Kezhaselie K Kuotsu
Facilitating Team leader
Nagaland State Women Farmers forum
