Unattended construction materials irk Kohima citizens

Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 6 (EMN): In spite of the newly-repaired roads and footpaths in Kohima, construction materials strewn on roadsides and pavements in various pockets of the town continue to inconvenience the public. More so, passers-by are forced to jaywalk as access to pavements is kept out in some areas, for storing the materials.

When Eastern Mirror reached out to passers-by, most of them complained of inconvenience created by the construction materials that were dumped on the roadside and pavements. It was found out that most of these materials belonged to (ongoing) private building constructions. 

Denizens have long been demanding for good roads in the state. Last year, the state capital witnessed dramatic changes. However, citizens are now complaining of the “inconvenience” created by heaped sand, stone chips, etc., on roadside and pavements. 

One of the residents of Kohima, who wished not to be named, said that the construction materials along the parking space and roadside were a nuisance. She said that the materials had been lying for a long time. “Passers-by, including me, have to walk on the roadside instead of taking the footpath as it is used for storing the materials,” she added.

Even parking space is used as storage for building materials, she added. The area becomes congested for two people to cross each other, as passer-by on other end has to wait for him/her to pass through, she added.

Further, it gives a messy look to the newly-repaired road and footpath. The construction works were also carried out during peak hours (daytime) when there are many passers-by, creating more congestions, she added.

Another passer-by said that a big amount of space should not be taken for dumping construction materials as it causes inconvenience to pedestrians. A taxi driver also said that it becomes problematic when the area for parking space is kept out. However, he added that construction is also a necessity.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Thejawelie Gregory, on Friday said that the administration is “aware” of it and assured to “take action”.

“People are not supposed to be doing that (dump construction materials on the roadside and pavements). Even if they offload (materials), they are supposed to remove it at the earliest possible time,” the DC added. 

The administration is coming up with “more instructions within a day or two” regarding the matter, he said. Meanwhile, he informed that the administration would be going for more eviction drives, which will be an ongoing activity in the days to come.