SAYO expresses dismay over deplorable road condition between Kohima and Mao; threatens to prohibit vehicular movement

DIMAPUR — The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has warned that the movement of vehicles on National Highway-2 (NH-2), Kohima-Mao road, will be prohibited if the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the authorities fail to maintain the road and repair the bridge between Viswema and Jakhama, which is on the verge of collapsing.

It also requested the concerned authorities to treat the matter as a top priority and immediately address it within 15 days (from the date of publication) for the safety of commuters.

Expressing dismay and frustration over the ongoing resurfacing work of the “NH-29/ NH -2  Kohima-Mao road”, the SAYO, in a press release, said that the implementing agency and the authorities have failed address the deteriorating condition of the road despite becoming a serious safety hazard.

“The SAYO is particularly concerned about the lack of accountability and transparency in the ongoing work. The NHIDCL has not followed the DPR (Detailed Project Report) norms, and the work has been carried out randomly, without any proper planning or supervision. This has led to the dilapidation of the road again before the completion of the ongoing work,” read the press release.

It lamenting the implementing agencies leaving the road in a deplorable condition despite knowing that it is not only the lifeline for the people in Southern Angami area but also “serves as a catalyst for trade and commerce between Manipur and South East Asian countries”.

Reiterating that the damaged bridge between Viswema and Jakhama on NH-2 is posing a serious threat to human life, security and vehicle movement, the organisation demanded the authorities to urgently address the issue.

It added that it would hold “the NHIDCL, concerned authorities, and contractors responsible for any eventuality that may occur”.

It went on to request the Governor of Nagaland, Chief Minister and the state government authorities to exercise their authority and issue directives against the NHIDCL and contractor of the road project.