Nagaland contractors alleges malpractice in project tenders

KOHIMA — Concerns have been raised over alleged malpractices in the awarding of project tenders during a coordination meeting of the Phek District Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union (PDNCSU) held at Hotel Ura, Kohima, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the members were advised to uphold quality workmanship and ensure timely completion of works. Povotso Lohe, legal advisor, Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union (NCSU), urged members to deliver works with quality, timeliness, and adherence to contract terms.

He emphasised the importance of engaging local workers to provide employment opportunities and called on members to maintain transparency and accountability in their dealings. Lohe also highlighted the need for skill and knowledge development among members to adapt to changing times.

He stressed the need to engage the local workforce to provide opportunities while advising the members to maintain transparency and accountability in their dealings. Furthermore, Lohe highlighted the importance of skill and knowledge development among members to embrace changes.

Meanwhile, N Neilo Koza, vice president, NCSU, in his speech, informed the members that NCSU has nearly 6,000 members, including about 2,200 Class-1 registered contractors in Nagaland.

He also emphasised the need for members to set aside political party affiliations to work for the greater good of the community and stressed the need for members from PDNCSU to be at par with others.

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Raruveyi Swuro, advisor, PDNCSU, in his speech, called for greater participation of members and stressed the need to have better coordination with community leaders, legislators, and officers to work in cohesion, adding that PDNCSU is a non-partisan body.

NCSU Secretary Tseibou Khusoh also addressed the meeting and commended the PDNCSU for organising the meeting, expressing hope that it would benefit the district and community.

He highlighted concern that many departments are awarding contracts without open tenders and are involved in malpractices. In this regard, he sought cooperation to fight for justice in the interest of the members.

Earlier, delivering the presidential address, Kuzhosheyi Alex Soho stated that the NCSU is the only body that is intact and has representation from all districts of Nagaland. He stressed the need to strengthen the body.

He expressed concern that many contract and supply works were not executed by members from the district but taken by contractors from other districts, even when there were eligible members from Phek district.

Soho also highlighted the poor-quality workmanship in the execution and construction of the two-lane road under Phek district, with no maintenance and incomplete projects. He expressed concern that many contractors and authorities were not cooperative and warned that PDNCSU would be constrained to take further steps of action.

He maintained that the Chakhesang Public Organisation’s constituted committee on the two-lane project has not included representatives from PDNCSU, which is a crucial body for ensuring quality workmanship and maintenance, and emphasised the need to have representation in the committee.

Soho sought cooperation from all stakeholders and solidarity from the members.

A speech was also delivered by Kedoutsolhi Wetsah, convenor, RTI Cell, NCSU, while the general secretary’s report was presented by Medovelo Sono.