RTI reveals details on controversial Chozuba-PWD office road upgradation project

In response to a request filed by Vezokho Luruo under the RTI Act, 2005, the Nagaland Public Works Department (R&B) has disclosed important information about the ongoing road upgradation project from Chozuba to the PWD office, passing through several key locations. Recent scrutiny has surrounded this road project due to reports of LPG cylinders/burners allegedly being used to ‘burn grasses’ on its blacktopping.

According to the RTI response, the department stated that it did not endorse the use of LPG cylinders/burners to remove weeds on the black-topped surface as a corrective measure. It also said there were no scientific claims that support the use of LPG cylinders/burners to ensure quality work within the division knowledge.

Information obtained through the RTI revealed that the project was awarded on June 22, 2016, with execution commencing on July 5, 2016. Funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORT&H), the project aims to upgrade the road, with a total cost amounting to Rs. 21,25,38,919.

The work was awarded to M/s Engineering Station, Govt. Regd. NPWD Class-1/447 (Proprietor-Vibeilietuo Kets), with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Contractor and five individuals: Veprasa Nyekha, Tsibu Khesoh, Kunungoi Rhakho, Vekrupe Venuh, and Chekhwutso. Another MOU was made with Zakieneituo Zhale, a class I registered contractor.

As per the RTI, the contractor was allotted 24 months for project completion, with extensions granted due to various reasons such as landslide and subsidence, incessant rainfall (monsoon period), Covid-19, General Election, MP election, etc.

It was also revealed that Rs 15,75,02,116 has been released by the department to date, with remaining funds of Rs 5,50,36,803 pending. The bill was released after visiting the site and considering the condition/state of the contractor.

Responding to the media reports that the work allotted to the first consortium was resold to another party and whether it was resold and whether the department informed about this development, and what steps were taken by the department in this regard, the RTI stated that Only Memorandum of understanding was done among the contractor, five individuals as mentioned above and Zakieneituo Zhale as far as the department is concerned.

The present contractor has also appointed a site engineer (Er Thepfulietuo Keyho – B Tech Civil) but machinery data is unavailable.

The RTI specified the grades of stones/chips and bitumen used in construction, with proper sub-grading methods followed.

Due to unforeseen events, an anticipated completion date could not be provided. However, an Extension of Time (E.O.T) has been applied for by the contractor and is currently in process, it was revealed.

Mokokchung Times