Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Küdecho Khamo, lambasted the poor working conditions of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) on NH-29 (Kohima-Jessami Road), particularly along the Kikruma-Chakhabama stretch, where the road is in deplorable condition.
Speaking at the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting in Phek on Tuesday, he pointed out that overall work progress is very slow, substandard, and not following specifications properly. Meanwhile, maintenance contractors have completely failed to perform, yet no action has been taken against them, he said. He cited the lackadaisical attitude of the NHIDCL, which unnecessarily blames the monsoon and the maintenance contractors they have appointed. This has caused immense hardship not only for commuters but also poses risks to their lives, Khamo said. Moreover, he expressed concern over the financial losses incurred daily due to the poor roads, including increased fuel costs, vehicle damage, and time wasted during travel.
Khamo also expressed his surprise at the poor workmanship of NHIDCL in Nagaland and questioned their seriousness by comparing the work undertaken by the company in other states, suggesting that the company undermines the people of Nagaland. He cautioned that the public may be compelled to take more serious actions if the company’s attitude continues.
It may be noted that the stretch of the road project on NH-29 (Old NH-150) runs from existing km 30.474 (near Chakhabama) to existing km 53.220 (near Kikruma village), with a design length of 21.90 km. The project is being executed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana by the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd.
Earlier, MLA Neisatuo Mero and Advisor for New & Renewable Energy & Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, N Nyusietho Nyuthe, also spoke during the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the DPDB Phek, John Tsulise Sangtam. During the meeting, the change of nomenclature for Nazareth School, Pfutsero, to Nazareth Higher Secondary School, Pfutsero, was approved. The leasing of the PWD guest house to Lüshe Enterprise was tabled for the next meeting.
A PowerPoint presentation was given by the Land Resources Department. Additionally, Dr Pritpal Kaur Batra, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Phek, was felicitated for being awarded the US-based International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) award.