Two of Mokokchung’s most vital roads, the Sewak Gate–DEF–Chuchuyimpang stretch of NH-2 and the IOC–Rotary junction road, are finally set to undergo repairs as reported by this newspaper. For a town that has long endured potholes, waterlogging, and endless patchwork, the news should bring relief. Yet, if history is any guide, hope must be tempered with caution.
Both these roads have been “repaired” more than once in recent years, and yet they continue to crumble within months. Poor workmanship, weak monitoring, and the absence of accountability have turned what should be basic infrastructure into a recurring burden. Every dry season brings fresh promises, and every monsoon washes them away. Citizens have learned to live with disappointment, though whether that is a virtue is another question.
Good roads are not just about convenience; they are the foundation of progress. They enable commerce, ensure timely access to essential services, and make towns more livable and connected. They reflect not only the efficiency of governance but also the value placed on citizens’ daily lives. Poor roads have become so common that it often feels as though citizens have been condemned to live with them.
This time, however, there are reasons to expect better. The IOC–Rotary road project includes a two-year defect liability clause, and the NH-2 stretch has similar contractual safeguards. The involvement of civil bodies such as the OKM and MTLT is encouraging, as community oversight often achieves what official inspections fail to do. It also reflects the collective frustration of Mokokchung’s citizens.
Good roads are not just conveniences; they are the lifelines of progress. The real question, however, is whether these repairs will live up to the standards they promise or fade away like so many before.
This season presents an opportunity to change the narrative, from temporary fixes to lasting solutions. The people of Mokokchung deserve roads that endure beyond the next monsoon. Accountability, transparency, and technical integrity must now take precedence over deadlines and optics. It is time the town’s roads were built not just to look good after construction, but to stand the test of time.
