Two members from North East Engineers on September 11 conducted quality and strength tests at the ongoing construction of the 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Sabangya, Mokokchung, following an ultimatum issued by the Chungtia Students’ Union (CSU) and the Chungtia Village Council (CVC) over alleged substandard construction work.
The joint inspection team included representatives from CSU and CVC; Sangpangchang, EAC Ongpangkong South; Dr Takosunep, Deputy CMO Mokokchung; Longkai, SDO (Engineering Wing), Department of Health and Family Welfare; and Santanu Dey, site engineer representing KC Infra.
A total of three tests were carried out – Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, Rebound Hammer, and Core Cut Sampling – with the results expected within the next 5–7 days.
Serious defects flagged during inspection
While awaiting the results, the inspection team flagged several serious issues at the site, including the use of oversized boulders in floor casting, poor plastering, cracks on the roof, muddy dug-up holes with no concrete, and even traces of plastic materials in the plaster.
“In the floor casting, there were very large size of boulders. We found many lapses in the plastering work earlier and we have raised the issue before as well. They have made some rectification like we have instructed in some areas but not all. The new plasters are quite up to the mark but the old ones need to be taken out. I will report all my observations to the department and will wait for their directives,” said Longkai, SDO (Engineering Wing), Department of Health and Family Welfare.
He added that North East Engineers is “a trusted firm” that has been conducting similar tests across Nagaland, but noted that decisions on accountability for the poor workmanship would be taken by higher authorities.
KC Infra acknowledges lapses
Santanu Dey of KC Infra stated that the firm would wait for instructions from the department and carry out whatever corrective measures are required.
He further admitted that the initial poor workmanship was carried out by laborers and managers the company had hired earlier and who are now “out of contact,” but accepted that “no matter the consequences, the firm shall accept the responsibilities.”
When asked about his prolonged absence from the site despite being the designated site engineer required to be present round-the-clock, he declined to comment.
Administration not consulted, work asked to halt
Sangpangchang, EAC Ongpangkong South, clarified that the district administration was never consulted before the complaints were raised. Terming it a “serious matter,” he urged KC Infra to halt all construction activities until the test results are released.
Meanwhile, the Chungtia CSOs thanked all stakeholders for cooperating in the joint verification and asserted that they want the hospital building to be constructed “to the satisfaction of the joint public.”