Under-construction road in Mkg hints at future town expansion

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, October 15

The ongoing road construction from Impur junction connecting to Mokokchung town may shed light for town expansion in the near future.
The construction of road from Impur junction to Sungkomen Ward project was started in June, 2015. It is being funded by the Central Road Fund (CRF) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. The time-bound project is scheduled to be completed within 24 months.
The 17 kilometer Standard Single Lane (SSL) road will connect the ‘organic farm village,’ Yimchalu village, directly to Mokokchung town as well as connect a large part of jhum land belonging to Sungratsu, Yimchalu, Chuchuyimpang and Mokokchung villages, benefitting the people in various ways.The brain behind this project Dr Imtiwapang Aier, the parliamentary Secretary for geology and Mining. The legislator inspected the ongoing road construction work in Yimchalu village on Thursday, October 15.
The parliamentary Secretary was appraised by the PWD (R&B) Mokokchung’s division, EE PI Imna Ao, SDO Toshikaba and junior engineers that 80 percent of the excavation works had been completed. This left nearly 3 kilometers to reaching Sungkomen ward of Mokokchung town.
The officials also informed that within three months, 35 percent of the overall soling, earth works, and CD would have been completed.
While expressing satisfaction at the progress of the ongoing construction works, Dr Imtiwapang Aier said that issues of urban expansion in Mokokchung can be solved ‘since abundant water sources is available in the construction site.’ He said that the said road will connect the under-construction Alongchen-Mangkolemba road which and will shorten the distance to Assam by an hour than the Mokokchung-Mariani road takes.
The parliamentary secretary also disclosed that the project was ‘awaited by the people for more than seven years.’
The officials also informed the parliamentary secretary that they were ‘trying to complete the project’ before the deadline of July 27, 2017.
Dr. Aier has expressed appreciation to the villagers of Sungratsu, Yimchalu, Chuchuyimpang and Mokokchung for ‘their cooperation to the contractors and department.’ Likewise, he appreciated the departmental officials for ‘their dedication toward the ongoing project.’
After the completion of the project, people and tourists will have easy access to amusement and recreational spots in Yimchalu village as well as in the tourist destination village, Mopungchuket.
Being queried about other projects, the parliamentary secretary disclosed that Asetkong-Tzüsanga road was another but “It will take some time.” He disclosed that a ‘concept note’ had been prepared for the North East Council for ‘sanction.’ If the project is approved, it will connect many villages to Tuli, and give easy access to Assam, he said.
During the spot inspection, the parliamentary secretary also conducted a separate meeting with Sungratsu and Yimchalu villages’ councils.
The construction of road from Impur junction to Sungkomen Ward project is being undertaken by Vertex Construction, in partnership with Saramati Construction. The proprietor of Vertex Construction, Akato, and Saramati Construction’s proprietor Bendang, also meet the parliamentary secretary at the site.
Also, Alongchen-Mangkolemba road is currently being constructed in phases. The first phase is currently underway from Alongchen to Milak River. The second phase will start from Milak River to Mongkolemba while the third phase will start from Mongkolemba connecting the highway to Mariani. The project is being undertaken by ANK Construction.