EMN
Dimapur, March 12
THE Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) today issued a clarification against reports in the local dailies of the ‘politicization’ of ongoing work in the Foothill road project. In a press release the KLH held an emergency executive meeting on Wednesday to discuss on the issue arising out of the Foothill Road construction. At the outset the Hoho acknowledged the yeoman service being rendered by the NFHRC and stated that their existence ensured that the road is being taken up in right earnest. However, the Hoho disagreed with allegations in local dailies that MLA MLA Mhonlumo Kikon was politicizing the construction work as reported in the local dailies .
The Hoho stated that they are aware that the WDCU had submitted a representation to the government on 03/02/2014 to allot the work through open tender as per the government norms and practice, failing which they will be compelled to take further actions (then as it is). Thereupon, the MLA Mhonlumo Kikon, in his genuine effort not to hamper the ongoing work and to enable the foothill road to progress, facilitated a peaceful resolution to the issue by issuing an open appeal to one and all to give full support to the foothill road construction. It was only through his intervention that the legal recourse was not taken but the WDCU decided to pursue with the Government for an acceptable and workable solution to the issue. After about a week, the meeting between the P Imty Ao and the WDCU representatives was held in the presence of the Chief Engineer. It was amicably decided to carry the burden of completing the Foothill road together by having an acceptable arrangement in the presence of the Chief Engineer. This happened because of the goodwill and good intention of the minister for roads and bridges, Kuzholuzo Nienu.
The release enquired where in such an instance the question of politicization by anyone and of “unauthorized work” being done by anyone arose? The Hoho hinted that the NFHRC best act within the resolution of the NFHRC, and further that the Committee’s concern should only be to see that the work is completed on time i.e by April 2014 end and the work is properly done as per specification. An appeal was also made not to provide information which would mislead the general public. The commitment to complete the foothill road should not be used as an excuse to protect the interest of one contractor, added the statement.
