As monsoon looms, Rio says roadwork should resume

Dimapur, April 28 (EMN): With monsoon approaching, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has stressed on the need to resume road construction works and other similar activities, which have been kept at pause since the lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection.

According to a DIPR report, the chief minister made this statement during his visit to Dimapur on Tuesday where he held a meeting with the district administration and police officials, health officials, and members of the special Committee for Dimapur.

He was accompanied by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Pangnyu Phom, his other colleagues and officials including the chief secretary and the secretary for Health and Family Welfare. 

‘Rio said that although Nagaland do not have the presence of much factories and industries, yet the shops and construction works needs to be regulated for economic activities,’ it stated.

The chief minister also noted that all construction materials, as well as skilled and unskilled workers, arrive in Nagaland through Dimapur. In this regard, he advised the district administration and police to formulate a policy that is convenient for all. 

Rio also said that agricultural activities must continue as per directive from the central government. While reminding that 70% of Nagaland’s population comprises of farmers, Rio said: “When farmers do not sow there will be no harvest.”

‘The first lockdown was successful and the second lockdown is due to expire on May 3 with partial relaxation, particularly in the green zone; therefore, we need to educate the public and follow the guidelines of social distancing,’ Rio said.

He expressed appreciation to the citizens of Dimapur, the district administration, police, health workers, NGOs, churches etc., ‘for working so hard thus far in containing Covid-19’.

Rio also lauded Phom, the other ministers and advisors for their support and co-operation in the fight against Covid-19.

The chief minister observed that there was a marked improvement in the Covid-19 hospital in Dimapur compared to its condition during his previous visit on April 3. 

Chief Secretary Temjen Toy said that the number of isolation beds needs to be increased.

He explained that suspected Covid-19 cases would first be kept in the isolation wards and only if the patient tests positive, he or she will be taken to Covid-19 hospital.