It is a known fact that whenever we register a new vehicle with the Transport Department, we are compelled to pay 5% of the cost price of the same, levied as road tax, the sum of which results from `13,000/- to `1,50, 000/- or more. In spite of paying so much road tax, we have to perennially traverse on roads which are as good as rivers, replete with potholes, puddles on almost the whole stretch of National Highways and State Highways in our state. Not to talk of the perplexing and dreadful journey, without any alternatives for the sick, elderly and women through almost non-existent road, mud, rocks and dust.
Often, drivers, blinded by dust and muddy water, hit rocks, plunged into swamps and puddles especially during rains; which cause damage in vehicles in different measure, such as cracks in engine casings etc while being manoeuvred over our bad-to-worse terrain. These road problems cost us our health, our safety, our lives and undue expenditure, many avoidable and unfortunate accidents and also very sadly, our right to proper infrastructure. These glaring road issues are partly due to our laid back attitude, carelessness, corruption and also overlooking honour and appreciation towards those who actually do the work efficiently and earnestly.
Early part of 2015, contractor K C Angami did the bitumen road carpeting from TCP Gate to IG Stadium Kohima, which withstood three heavy monsoons, over the past three years. Why? The quality of workmanship is evidently better, unlike the usual “cosmetic black-topping” of road. The project undertaken by him has given us a smooth ride effortlessly and seamlessly. The road surface having thick coats of bitumen concrete has been naturally durable and braced all weather. No scientific explanation is required for such inspiring reality and testimony; any layman can see the difference in workmanship, though few recognise it while the others are not vocal enough.
In a similar setting, the BRO till date has been carrying out black topping of roads from TCP Gate, Kohima to Kisama, every year, sometimes even twice a year for many years, apart from its other major road maintenance and construction works in Nagaland. There is no need to make a mention of the river-like roads, comprising of potholes, mud or dust. Certain spots right in the middle of the road are perfectly fit for paddy plantation. Their RCC bridges are full of potholes too, as early as six to ten months of its completion. Contractor Vilelie Angami would be replacing the BRO in this particular route shortly one may expect a great change.
BRO is also currently working on bitumen carpeting of road at Phek Road starting from Pezielietsie. The work began in early part of January 2017, but till date, not even 3 kms has been covered. Their black topping projects have not lasted even for 3 months, as witnessed by everyone, not to talk of the black topping lasting for three to four monsoon seasons, which attributes to major road problems in Nagaland.
Our top politicians, who have an affinity for the BRO, need to seriously focus more on solving major road woes first for public interest, before it is too late.
Kuolachalie Seyie
kuolachalie@yahoo.com
