Western Sumi Youth Front asks contractor to complete NH-29 road project

DIMAPUR — Expressing serious concern over non-completion of the National Highway-29 (NH-29), from Central Jail to Dzubza river in Niuland, the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) has asked the implementing agency to expedite the work and complete the road project at the earliest.

In a press release, the WSYF stated that the road improvement project work (phase-II) was awarded to M/S Vipe Enterprise for INR 2434.79 lakh (approx. INR 24.34 crore) on March 16, 2022.

According to the terms of the tender and the agreement executed, the road project was to be completed by April 15, 2023 but it was extended to August 13, 2023 after the contractor applied for extension of time.

Following the failure to meet the deadline, the contractor was summoned to the office of the chief engineer on September 26, 2023, where assurance was given to complete the project by November 30, 2023.

“However, even after the Extension of Time (EoT) was granted to the enterprise twice, the road project remains incomplete and the work schedule is behind by more than a year which clearly shows the lackadaisical attitude of the firm and the contractor.

“Pursuant thereto, the WSYF undertook the inspection of the project and assessed the ground report of the same and it was observed that the overall physical progress stands at 94.54%, while the overall financial progress stands at 89.60% as on 22.05.2024,” the WSYF said.

Stating that the people have been eagerly waiting for upgrade and improvement of the road, which serves as a lifeline for the people of Niuland district and adjoining Wokha, Tseminyu and Kohima districts, the WSYF said the delay in completion of the road project has not only impacted the economy of the vendors and entrepreneurs but also the living condition of the people living in the area.

While asking the concerned firm to complete the work project at the earliest, as per specifications and following all the requisite guidelines of the DPR, the youth front cautioned that it would take its own course of action to protect and safeguard the interest of the general public if the contractor fails to do so.

Further, it also asked the executive engineer PWD (R&B) Dimapur division to strictly monitor the project and submit weekly progress report to the office of the chief engineer, PWD(R&B), Kohima.

“In this regard, the WSYF urge the department to strictly carry out work inspection regularly and cautioned against the payment of the remaining balance without completion of the work project,” it added.