Khamo seeks probe into Chozuba town roads

KOHIMA — Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD) and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, has called for an immediate investigation into the quality of the ongoing blacktopping of Chozuba town roads in Phek district. He expressed concern over compromised quality and workmanship, citing photos and videos circulating on social media that sparked public outrage.

In a letter addressed to the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Chozuba, Chief Engineer PWD (Roads and Bridges), and Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Phek, Khamo stated that the blacktopping of roads, “was done by compromising the quality and workmanship.”

He also highlighted the contractor’s alleged attempt to burn down grass sprouting through the fresh blacktopping using a gas cylinder on Monday morning, after images of the road went viral on social media over the weekend.

Stressing the need for immediate investigations to be undertaken, the advisor said that the findings should be promptly submitted for further necessary action in the public’s best interest.

Meanwhile, an official from the PWD (R&B) told this newspaper that the controversial road project, a centrally funded initiative worth approximately INR 11 crore, was initially awarded to M/S Engineering Station in 2017.

Sources said that the consortium, reportedly comprising legislators and public leaders, failed to complete the project and subsequently sold it to another contractor.

The current contractor is tasked with finishing the blacktopping, drainage works, and other components, while the initial team had reportedly already received payment for the foundation and underlying layers.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official confirmed that the department is urging the current contractor to adhere to work specifications.

Explaining the grass growth, the official stated that it sprouted before the roller could level the blacktopping with bitumen, leading the contractor to resort to using an LPG burner for weed control.

Despite this incident, the department has instructed the contractor to apply an additional layer of blacktopping as the project is ongoing, and is pushing for early completion of the road, the official said.