Mokokchung, 23 September (MTNews): The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) and the residents of Niuland district have issued a 15-day ultimatum to M/S Vipe Enterprises, the contractor responsible for the construction of the Niuland Road, due to concerns about project delays and compromised quality. The ultimatum, addressed to the Chief Engineer of Roads & Bridges, Nagaland, underscored the gravity of the situation and called for immediate action.
In a letter to the Chief Engineer dated 22 September, WSH, representing the public of Niuland district, cited relevant documents and expressed disappointment over M/S Vipe Enterprises’ failure to complete the construction work within the stipulated time frame. The Niuland Road project, sanctioned under (Phase II) SASCE 2021-22, covers the stretch from Central Jail 4th Mile to Atu Ghoki Hozukhe Village, along National Highway-29. This road is the lifeline for the people of Niuland district and adjacent Wokha, Tseminyu, and Kohima districts of Nagaland, according to WSH.
WSH pointed out that despite previous extensions of time (EoT) granted by the authorities, the contractor has consistently failed to meet project deadlines. This dire situation led to a road blockade organized by the Ato Area GBs union, which received no response from the contractor. Subsequently, the Western Sumi Hoho intervened and convened a joint coordination meeting on 13 July 2023 with representatives from various stakeholders, including the Ato Area GBs Union, Niuland District Administration, and Western Sumi Hoho.
During the meeting, a resolution was adopted, setting a new deadline for project completion by 31 August 2023 in accordance with the 2nd Extension of Time (EoT) granted by the Chief Engineer’s office, as stated by WSH. However, WSH noted that the concerned contractor “began working only for a short period of time before ceasing all work as of this date (for reasons they alone are aware of).”
To assess the situation, a fact-finding team led by the General Secretary of WSH conducted an inspection on 5 September 2023. The inspection revealed not only unfinished construction but also identified that “the already completed components of the works were found to be in an appalling condition, demonstrating poor workmanship.”
In response to these concerning findings, WSH has called upon the Chief Engineer’s office to take immediate action to rectify the situation, emphasizing the importance of completing the work in accordance with the project’s specifications. Furthermore, WSH has issued a warning of potential legal action against M/S Vipe Enterprises, including the possibility of blacklisting or the closure of the R&B Office, Dimapur Division, if deemed necessary.
Additionally, WSH has requested that the Chief Engineer’s office refrain from releasing the remaining balance of the project’s bill to M/S Vipe Enterprises without first obtaining WSH’s No Objection Certificate. An ultimatum has been issued to M/S Vipe Enterprises, demanding a response within 15 days.