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DIMAPUR — The National People's Party (NPP) Phek district has expressed serious concerns over the deplorable condition of the Kohima-Jessami road, particularly the Chakhaba - Kikruma stretch (Package II).
This crucial road, serving as a lifeline for Phek and several other districts, has been virtually impassable for over two years, causing immense hardship to commuters.
Drawing the attention of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the NPP Phek, in a press communiqué, said that despite numerous appeals from various organisations and individuals, the authorities have completely neglected the issue.
“The road is in its worst condition from a long time now and is full of muddy patches, dust and potholes; the road is not only in appalling condition but is posing threat to the lives of the commuters,” it said.
Furthermore, during the previous monsoon season, the road's deterioration led to property damage and even loss of life, it said, expressing concerns over the possibility of similar incidents occurring during the monsoon season this year.
According to the party, although the previous contractor was terminated and the project awarded to M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. in January 2024, there has been “no sign of road construction workers starting any work.”
The NPP Phek district went on to state that if those responsible for road development and the project continue to disregard the hardships faced by the people, they should restore the road to its original state before the project began. Before the project commenced, despite the road's narrowness, people never encountered such severe issues, it said.
It also criticised the contractor’s lackadaisical approach and reminded the construction company of the unsuccessful past ventures in the state. Urging the contractor to commence work immediately, the party also called upon the NHIDCL to give immediate special attention to this stretch of road.