Stakeholders say Rs 10 crore project will resume next week
The much-anticipated Rs 10 crore Imkongmeren Sports Complex project, announced by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio during Moatsü 2025, came to an abrupt halt shortly after construction activities began earlier this year, raising questions over the status of the project.
However, following inquiries by Mokokchung Times, multiple stakeholders associated with the project confirmed that the work has not been abandoned and is expected to resume next week.
District Sports Officer (DSO), Department of Youth Resources and Sports, told MT that the temporary halt was linked to issues involving landowners, but maintained that the matter has now been resolved.
“There were some issues with the landowners for some time, but now the issue has been resolved. It might start from next week,” DSO said.
Representatives of the landowners also confirmed that the project activity was halted due to concerns over lack of “transparency” during the initial phase of the work.
According to the landowners, uncertainty arose after multiple parties allegedly claimed to be executing the project.
“There were two to three parties claiming they were working for the project. However, in our jurisdiction, we have set this convention that the contractor who has really been accorded the work must come and meet us and be transparent about the project and the plan with the landowners,” a representative told MT.
“Therefore, we decided that without knowing the identity of the contractor, we won’t allow the project to continue,” the representative added.
The landowners said that following consultations with the firm concerned, the matter has since been settled.
“The contractor met us in Kohima earlier this month and certain consensus were reached and have now been placed in writing,” the representative said.
According to the landowners, the firm overseeing the project is NECS & Sangtam JV.
Meanwhile, Er Moa, SDO, Department of Youth Resources, said the project is being undertaken under the SASCI component with a loan repayment duration of 50 years.
He said the project includes installation of floodlights and ancillary infrastructure such as underground drainage systems aimed at preventing waterlogging. Renovation of the rostrum may also be taken up as part of the project.
“If we start from next week, the project will be completed within this year by November or December,” he said.
Independent inquiries by MT also found that the project includes installation of four floodlights and may additionally include repairing of a gallery roof, construction of toilet septic tanks, rainwater harvesting mechanisms, and other underground drainage components depending on the available cost provisions.
Sources further informed MT that similar projects are also being undertaken in five to six other districts, including Zunheboto, by the same firm.
