Inspection reveals flaws in AYUSH Hospital construction at Sabangya

CHUNGTIA — A joint technical test was carried out on Thursday to assess the structural integrity and public safety of the 50-bedded AYUSH Hospital at Sabangya in Mokokchung, following mounting concerns over delays and substandard construction by KC Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd.

The exercise followed an ultimatum issued by the Chungtia Students Union (CSU), supported by the Chungtia Village Council, which had demanded a thorough inspection of the project.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) appointed M/S North East Engineers from Guwahati to perform rebound hammer, ultrasonic, and core cutting tests to evaluate the hospital’s concrete compressive strength.

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The testing was supervised by a joint team that included representatives from the district administration, the technical department, and community stakeholders. Observers present included EAC Ongpangkong Sangpangchang, members of the CSU, representatives from the Chungtia Village Council, KC Infra Projects Site Engineer Santanu Dey, Deputy CMO Mokokchung Dr. Takosunep, and SDO, Medical Engineering Wing, H&FW, Longkai.

Consultants Rahul Kumar Paswan, Rajib Medhi, and Yushaf Sarkar from M/S North East Engineers conducted random assessments of concrete quality across columns, beams, and slabs. In addition to the technical tests, observers pointed out serious issues of substandard construction, such as poor plasterwork and inadequate floor casting.

Longkai highlighted major lapses, noting that plasterwork in all rooms, previously flagged in July for rectification, remains substandard. He said that only the upper portions have been addressed, leaving lower walls in pathetic condition, and added that the floor casting used large boulders instead of a minimal thickness of five to six inches, and cracks have appeared in one slab grid.

He assured that the faulty floor casting would be removed and repaired with appropriate stone sizes, while hairline cracks in slabs would be addressed through comprehensive solutions, pending stakeholder consultation.

M/S North East Engineers, a reputed firm known for testing across Nagaland—including a recent satisfactory evaluation at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital—was chosen for its expertise, he said.

The engineer from the department expressed confidence in the firm’s independent assessment, hoping for a timely and accurate report. Longkai added that additional lapses identified during the test would be escalated to superiors, with findings shared transparently with all stakeholders.

Dey acknowledged the substandard work, pledging full compliance with departmental directives for rectification. However, he admitted to visiting the site only eight times since taking charge last year, a point CSU criticised, alleging nearly a year of construction without proper supervision.

Sangpangchang remarked on the district administration’s serious stance on the issue, ordering KC Infra to cease all work until the test results report is received. “The district administration is very serious since the issue has come under our scanner,” he reminded. He further informed the stakeholders that the test results report may take five days.

CSU president vowed to closely monitor the project, ensuring it meets public expectations and adheres to its designated timeline.