Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30
The foothills road project can finally resume construction works – simultaneously in all sectors involved – following a meeting between the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) and the minister for Roads and Bridges, Azo Neinu that took place on Wednesday at the latter’s residence in Kohima.
Addressing a news conference here today, the NFHRCC convener, Supu Jamir told reporters that the two warring parties have decided to bury the hatchet and withdraw all lawsuits filed against each other.
“By next week the contractors concerned as well as the minister (for Roads and Bridges) will withdraw all lawsuits. After that work order (for the project) will be issued and construction works will start shortly,” Supu informed.
As per the understanding between the NFHRCC and the minister concerned, contract works for Mon sector will be shared between A Neangba Konyak and Pongshi Phom. Likewise in Mokokchung sector, Yashitsungba Aier and Tarep Ao would divide the contract work between them.
Supu informed that, while the fresh cutting works in Wokha sector has been almost completed, construction of the new Doyang Bridge is already underway. The 2-laned bridge, which when completed could be the longest bridge in Nagland, is expected to cost Rs 22 crores and would take at least three years for completion, he added.
According to Supu Jamir, the foothill road would be motor-able in 1-2 years’ time. Fresh-cutting would be completed by March next, he said.
Remarkably, the NFHRCC informed that no less than Rs 52 crores have been left unused yet. In other words, out of the Rs 70 crores sanctioned by the state government for the fresh cutting works – Rs 40 crore in the first phase and another 30 crores in the second phase – the committee has ensured that all construction works thus far has been completed with the expense of Rs 18 crores.
Even after considering that the construction of Doyang Bridge would consume some Rs 22 crores, the Committee would still be left with Rs 30 crores, Supu informed. Besides the strong moral stance taken by the NFHRCC members in matters of finance, the NFHRCC has also convinced all landowners and ‘Naga political groups’ to exempt the foothill road project from all sorts of monetary imposition.
