WAPO resents ‘snail pace’ progress of four-lane construction

DIMAPUR — The Western Angami Public Organisation (WAPO) has expressed resentment over the alleged slow progress of four-lane construction work of the stretch under Package-III.

The WAPO, in a representation to the deputy commissioner of Kohima on Thursday, pointed out the “lackadaisical and callous attitude” of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) contractors towards the project under Package-III.

“It may be recalled that the latest work order was issued to the construction company M/s Brand Eagles in the month of October 2023, however there is no remarkable progress seen so far after the fourth month now.

“Therefore since the Package-III falls under your jurisdiction you are also very much responsible, and supposed to oversee and monitor the progress of the work,” the representation stated.

Urging the deputy commissioner to inform the construction company to speed up its work so that considerable progress is made before the rainy season, the organisation argued that if the company was not interested in the said project, it should not have bid for the project in the first place, depriving other contenders.

“In fact, we are in favour of eligible local contractors who can do the work better with the knowledge of topography and soil texture and all the more with ownership spirit” it said.

However, the NHIDCL had earlier set aside the Gauhati High Court’s directive and went ahead to Supreme Court for fresh notice inviting tender (NIT), it added.

Expressing dismay over the NHIDCL’s “same old snail’s pace of work,” the WAPO also brought to the notice of the contractors certain points to be kept in mind during the road construction.

“Earth cutting has to be followed by retaining walls of strong foundation without which it will trigger massive mudslides. And this should be done before the coming rainy season,” it pointed out.

The organisation went on to state that it had observed that earlier earth cutting was done extensively that triggered unexpected landslides, causing damage to many terrace fields.

The WAPO further said it was taken aback after observing that some retaining walls were uprooted by minor mudslides which, it said, “exposed the depthless foundation and dubious character of the companies.”

Maintaining that even patience has a limit, the WAPO asked as to how long the people shall continue to live under “hazardous environment” and hoping against hope for a good road.

“If we are not satisfied with the quality of work and pace of progress, we may even resort to monitor the work on day-to-day basis by our youth forces and volunteers,” it cautioned.

Also read: Kohima-Jessami road construction underway after 18-month delay